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The health & Social Care Committee (HSC) in Guernsey is prioritizing reconciliation between families with health service complaints and the medical profession, alongside developing a less adversarial complaints procedure. Deputy Andy Oswald, leading the HSC, has pledged to build bridges and improve the process for addressing patient concerns, acknowledging existing barriers and a degree of defensiveness within the system.
Addressing past Issues and Building Trust
Recent events have disrupted previous efforts to address health service complaints, but Deputy Oswald is committed to making HSC a central force for reconciliation. He envisions the committee acting as an intermediary between families, the medical profession, and the States of Guernsey.https://www.guernseypress.com/news/politics/deputy-oswald-pledges-hsc-will-be-a-force-for-reconciliation-10619987/
“We have to try to build bridges between the families and the medical profession, with the States and specifically our committee in the middle,” Deputy Oswald stated. He indicated plans to explore all available resources to achieve progress, recognizing that improvements won’t be immediate.
Improving the Complaints Procedure
A key focus will be on developing a less adversarial complaints procedure, aiming to benefit both patients and doctors. The current system, Deputy Oswald noted, shares similarities with the National health Service (NHS) in the UK, where families often encounter significant obstacles when pursuing complaints. https://www.guernseypress.com/news/politics/deputy-oswald-pledges-hsc-will-be-a-force-for-reconciliation-10619987/
He acknowledged the inherent defensiveness in medical complaints, stemming from the potential impact on reputations and financial settlements. This suggests a need for greater transparency and a more supportive environment for open dialog.
No Independent Review Planned, But Open to External advice
While Deputy Oswald does not currently see a need for a full independent review of Guernsey’s health service, he remains open to seeking external advice on new practices and procedures developed locally. This pragmatic approach suggests a desire for continuous improvement while avoiding a perhaps disruptive and costly large-scale review.
Key Takeaways:
* Reconciliation is a Priority: HSC is actively working to improve relationships between patients/families and the medical profession.
* Complaints Process Reform: A less adversarial complaints procedure is a key goal.
* Acknowledging existing Barriers: The committee recognizes the difficulties families face when raising concerns.
* Pragmatic Approach: HSC is focused on incremental improvements and is open to external expertise.
This initiative represents a significant step towards improving patient care and building trust in Guernsey’s health service. By addressing the concerns of families and fostering a more collaborative environment, the HSC aims to create a system that is both effective and compassionate. Future developments will likely focus on implementing specific changes to the complaints process and exploring best practices from other jurisdictions.
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