The President of P&R, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, said: "In late 2018, the UK Government indicated that it would be open to negotiating a new RHA with Guernsey.  

“The discussions were interrupted by work required in the lead up to the UK’s exit from the European Union and by the Covid-19 pandemic which each had to take priority. The Policy & Resources Committee is very glad to bring proposals for a new RHA back to the States for its consideration now.” 

Pictured: Deputy Ferbrache said: “We know that a new RHA has been an area of interest in Guernsey for some years, both politically and within the community, due to the social and economic links between the Bailiwick and the UK.” 

The announcement has been welcomed by the President of Home Affairs, Deputy Rob Prow, who has been pressing for the initiative since last term. 

“This is excellent news, which I totally support,” he said. 

“As you are aware this is an initiative that I campaigned for all last term and brought a successful amendment to the then P&R Plan (albeit that it become replicated in a P&R amendment). 

“I will be urging all Deputies to fully support the P&R Policy Letter and finally, after over ten years, place us on a reciprocal level playing field with Jersey and the Isle of Man.” 

Pictured: Deputy Prow has offered his support of the Policy Letter. 

P&R was directed in 2019 to seek a new RHA with the UK, most likely in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding. It followed the termination of the previous RHA in 2009 that led to Guernsey residents having to pay for their own treatment in the UK. 

The agreement was touted as one of the benefits of Brexit, with Bailiwick residents being able to benefit from free treatment from the NHS. 

The Policy Letter also asks that the RHA be extended to Alderney and Sark residents too. 

Pictured: Statistics on visitors and hospital visits during 2018 and 2019. 

The decision has been welcomed by the Minister of State for Health, Department of Health & Social Care, Edward Argar MP, who said it is “another demonstration of the strong and enduring relationship the UK has with Guernsey. 

“We are delighted to have agreed a proposed reciprocal healthcare arrangement with the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which is likely to be finalised shortly and implemented in the coming months.  

“Residents across the UK and Guernsey stand to benefit as they’ll be able to access emergency and necessary healthcare services when visiting either territory free of charge.”