Minister Justifies ‘Temporary’ Increase in Private Surgeries

Jersey’s Health Minister has defended his decision to encourage hospital consultants to take on additional private work, saying he had “precious little alternative” amid mounting financial pressures.

The move has sparked criticism from patients who fear their own operations may be pushed further down the waiting list.

Responding to the backlash, Deputy Tom Binet issued a public statement addressing concerns that private procedures were being prioritised over care for public patients. He insisted that those relying on publicly funded treatment “remain the core focus,” adding that waiting lists are continually monitored.

According to the minister, the temporary shift was driven by budget constraints rather than by consultants themselves. Private treatment at the hospital brings in vital income, and Binet said he faced a difficult choice in order to avoid surpassing the additional £12 million already approved by the Treasury.

“Given that private treatment provides essential funding for the health budget, this short-term measure was taken to ensure spending did not exceed the limits set for the year,” he said. “Failing to act would have breached public finances law and strayed from the requirements of the Financial Recovery Plan.”

Acknowledging the “good deal of public concern,” Binet said the department intends to restore the previous balance between public and private work as soon as possible.

He added that, despite a tight budget next year - aside from protected investment in digital services and preventative care - the health service will focus on delivering as much publicly funded treatment as possible to ease waiting times in 2026.

The minister also committed to greater transparency, promising quarterly updates to keep islanders informed.

“To be clear, the change was temporary and was not driven by our first-class medical consultants, who consistently deliver as much publicly funded care as resources allow,” he said.

The Health Department has also underlined that revenue from private patients is reinvested into services for the whole community. Consultants who undertake private work see their public hours and salaries reduced in line with that commitment.