HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSISTANT MINISTERS
In recognition of both the size and complexity of the Health and Social Services Department, and because of the challenging strategic agenda which it must deliver, the Chief Minister has agreed that the Minister for Health and Social Services be supported by two Assistant Ministers.
The context for the description of the accountabilities of the two Assistant Ministers is as follows:
- The provision of modern health and social care does not respect internal departmental boundaries – nor can it be corralled within the Health and Social Services Department itself. The provision of these services requires a contribution of many other States Departments and they can only be delivered through a process of political, managerial and professional collaboration.
- In 2009/2010 the internal structure of the Health and Social Services Department will be reorganised to reflect the strategic agenda concerning the provision of high quality services for children and the delivery of New Directions.
- New Directions is the island-wide strategy for the provision of modern health and social care services and a strategy for managing the rising cost of such services. The contribution of other States Departments and other agencies to the success of New Directions is as pivotal as the contribution of the Health and Social Services Department itself.
- In the light of the Council of Ministers agreement to the Andrew Williamson Implementation Plan, there is a need for the Ministerial team to plan for and oversee the formation of a new directorate for Children’s Services and to oversee the phased introduction of the plan itself.
The political responsibilities and accountabilities for Deputy Judy Martin, Assistant Minister, are as follows:
- To assume political responsibility for the performance of the Children’s Service.
- To achieve this by working in collaboration with other States Departments, other statutory and non-statutory agencies, and by
- Ensuring that the work and contribution of Children’s Services continues to be fully integrated with other health and social care services.
The political responsibilities and accountabilities for Connetable Deidre Mezbourian, Assistant Minister, are as follows:
- To assume political responsibility for the performance of Services for Older People.
- To achieve this by working in collaboration with other States Departments, other statutory and non-statutory agencies, and by
- Ensuring that the work and contribution of Services for Older People continues to be fully integrated with other health and social care services.
Senator Jim Perchard
Minister for Health and Social Services