Health to face Scrutiny grilling as costs grow

Wednesday 22 February 2023

Waiting lists, agency costs and modernising the hospital are likely to be the focus of a Scrutiny hearing next month.

The Scrutiny Management Committee is holding a public hearing with Health & Social Care at the Castel Douzaine Room, between 10:00 and 12:00 on Wednesday 1 March.

Health’s spending on agency staff soared to at least £11.8m. last year - more than double what the bill was before.

The second phase of the project to upgrade the Princess Elizabeth hospital has been put on hold because of cost concerns - a decision was due to be made after the States debate on tax. 

“I anticipate that the hearing will focus primarily on agency staff costs, the progress of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital Modernisation project, management of waiting lists and ongoing issues relating to financial matters,” said SMC President Yvonne Burford.

“However, we reserve the right to explore all areas within HSC’s Committee’s mandate if we consider it necessary to do so in the interests of effective scrutiny and good government.”

She will chair the Scrutiny panel, which will also include Deputy Simon Fairclough and former States member Michelle Le Clerc.

The public are welcome to attend but are not able to ask questions or make any comment while the hearing is in progress.

The hearing will also be live streamed on: https://youtube.com/live/C8qj4qyNgd8