New UK health deal not simple

Tuesday 19th October 2010, 11:30AM BST.

Ian and Ruth Gordon. (Picture By Peter Frankland. 1009961)

HEALTH and Social Services has been accused of having a ‘couldn’t care less approach’ to bringing back Guernsey’s reciprocal health agreement with the UK.

The department has not yet opened discussions with the UK over renegotiating a deal to provide healthcare both for islanders visiting the UK and its nationals visiting here – despite the Isle of Man having its agreement reinstated this month and Jersey progressing its talks on the issue.

HSSD said it would seek to begin negotiations with the UK after Jersey had secured its agreement.

But Ian and Ruth Gordon, who live in Fife, Scotland, and visit the island every year, said it was a poor attitude for the department to have.

‘It seems to have a “couldn’t care less approach” to reinstating the reciprocal agreement with the UK,’ Mrs Gordon said.

An HSSD spokesman said Jersey had agreed to keep Guernsey informed of any developments and had also agreed that any new arrangement should not be detrimental to either Bailiwick.

Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.

To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.

View more: Health news, Reciprocal Agreement news, Travel news.

1
ginja ninja

October 19, 2010 at 12:38 pm

Totally agree, The IOM fought this to the end and secured a new agreement despite their original agreement expiring a full year after the Guernsey agreement. They showed concern for their citizens (and visitors) that our own HSSD do not seem to share, Why do we need to wait until after Jersey ? I could only understand this if the UK has asked us to do this as they are incapable of negotiating 2 minor (to them) agreements at the same time ! However this is unlikely. Come on HSSD pull your finger out and look after your citizens !

Report abuse