REACTION to the news that Health and Social Services is to reduce costs by £6m. was swift and understandable – simply because the focus of the department’s activity is misplaced.

An analysis of its actions quickly indicate that HSSD is not significantly reducing its cost base but is instead seeking to transfer those costs elsewhere, either by charging those who already contribute as taxpayers or by reducing the service it provides.

In addition, its approach is also disingenuous.

This is not a health authority reacting to budget cuts but one that is belatedly trying not to overspend. Because it has shown no commitment to financial restraint over the years – the cost of the childcare package that it alone in the States provided to just a handful of staff for doubtful benefit now stands at nearly £1.5m. at today’s prices – it is now seeking to offload its inefficiencies on patients and service users.

Islanders will have two questions for the Health minister. Firstly, if the department really was efficient, why weren’t these changes implemented before Treasury and Resources said it would no longer bankroll annual overspends?

Secondly, since the department will be doing less under its new strategy, why does it need the same number of staff?

It is also clear from yesterday’s announcement that Health prefers to put the interests of the organisation before those of its customers, those for whom it provides services.

Asking its internal divisions to deliver savings equivalent to 5% of payroll was guaranteed to lead to a cut in services, not reduced manning.

Health has, for instance, an entire HR department with its own director that is, on the basis of previous industrial tribunals alone, under-performing. It was never going to offer its own closure and the Health board has let its own staff off the hook at the expense of its clients by not insisting on a more radical approach.

It is no coincidence that Health never approached the Policy Council’s HR unit about these savings – or asked what elements of its own HR function could be closed and transferred to the centre.

The bureaucracy that is Health has just demonstrated its commitment to self – not service.