02 April 2024
Nearly 10,000 Islanders will benefit from improvements to the Health Access Scheme (HAS) through a £2 reduction to adult patient fees in GP surgeries. The Minister for Social Security has agreed a revised scheme from 2 April 2024.
HAS covers all members of an Income Support household and people receiving Pension Plus. The reduction will apply to face-to-face adult consultations in GP surgeries and remote consultations provided by General Practitioners, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and health care assistants.
The new fees are £10 for a GP, £7 for a nurse, paramedic or pharmacist and £4 for health care assistants. There are no charges for children.
All other fees for out of hours and home visits remain the same as the 2020 rates for another 12 months.
Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, Minister for Social Security, said: “I am encouraged to hear how the current scheme is making a difference to patients. I also recognise the ongoing financial pressures that many Islanders are facing, so it's important that we provide further support and act to make a difference where possible. I am pleased that we have made some positive changes to the scheme, as this directly helps those claiming Income Support or Pension Plus.
“I am also focused on making further improvements for patients and look forward to sharing more details over the coming weeks to help more Islanders with the cost of their GP appointments."
Bryony Perchard from the Primary Care Body (PCB), representing GPs in Jersey, said: “The PCB were very pleased to work with the Social Security team to renew the Health Access Scheme and we welcome the minister's further reduction to patient fees. This will ensure there is ongoing affordable access to primary care and that this remains an ongoing priority."
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