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A decision made 7 May 2010 regarding: P.39/2010 Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK - negotiations - comment by the Minister for Health and Social Services.

Decision Reference: MD-HSS-2010-0030
Decision Summary Title :	P39/2010 Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK: Negotiations		Date of Decision Summary:	7 May 2010
Decision Summary Author:	Assistant Director Corporate Planning, Performance Management		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	P39/2010 Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK: Negotiations- Comment		Date of Written Report:	6 May 2010
Written Report Author:	Acting Deputy Chief Officer		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: P39/2010 Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK: Negotiations - Comment by the Minister for Health and Social Services
Decision(s): The Minister approved the comment
Reason(s) for decision: The Minister wishes to accept the proposition
Resource Implications: None in relation to the comment
Action required: Request the Greffier of the States to arrange for the comment to be presented to the States
Signature:		Position: Minister for Health and Social Services
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

P.39/2010 Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK - negotiations - comment by the Minister for Health and Social Services

P39/2010- A Reciprocal Health Agreement with the United Kingdom: Negotiations

I am delighted to support this proposition as it will ensure that a collective resource is brought to future negotiations with Her Majesty’s Government in relation to the Reciprocal Health Agreement with Jersey.

The discontinuation of the long-standing agreement has been a particular concern of mine from the outset of my time as Minister of Health as Social Services. I recognise the considerable anxiety and confusion that changes introduced unilaterally by the UK Government have caused, particularly for the elderly or for those with pre-existing conditions who have often found it hard to obtain health insurance when wishing to visit friends and relatives on the mainland.

These points were discussed at a recent meeting with the Right Honourable Alain Beith, MP, in his role as Chair of the Justice Committee within the House of Commons. This was in relation to that committee’s review of the handling by the UK of constitutional arrangements with the Crown Dependencies. The final report of the Committee concluded that: “the lack of consultation and discussion of possible options, with each Crown Dependency was a failing in the UK Government’s approach to its responsibilities in deciding the future of the Reciprocal Health Agreements”

In seeking to negotiate a new agreement a number of steps have been taken. My Acting Chief Officer, together with the Director of International Affairs, now have a meeting scheduled in early June with representatives of the UK Department of Health as part of a new, more collaborative approach already being undertaken in seeking to negotiate revised arrangements. The extension of the Isle of Man agreement until September on the basis of reciprocal care but without an exchange of money between the UK and the Isle of Man is providing a useful model for the future, and the Director International Affairs is liaising closely with both the Isle of Man and the UK Department of Health as they work to conclude the terms of this extended arrangement.

As I have said previously, I am committed to ensuring maximum benefit and value for money for the people of Jersey seeking access to appropriate treatment in the UK and welcome this proposition as an opportunity to fulfil that commitment.

Deputy Anne Pryke, Minister for Health and Social Services

6 May 2010