At the time HSC said the contract between the two organisations would stand while a spokesperson said HSC had been "fully briefed by the St John Commandery as regards the changes that they are making to the structure of the two operating subsidiaries in Guernsey: St John Ambulance & Rescue Service, and St John Guernsey (Limited By Guarantee)."

Now, HSC has released a statement saying it is continuing to work closely with the Commandery of St John in Guernsey. It's also been confirmed that HSC did not know about the planned merger until it had happened - and was only informed in a letter sent confidentially to HSC on 12 April. The contents of that letter are being kept under wraps. 

HSC said; "As this letter was provided in the strictest confidence it is a matter for the Commandery (St John) to release, or otherwise, the details contained in it."

Pictured: The review and the details behind the merger are currently remaining confidential. 

HSC said there remains no concern over the contract agreed with St John and that "assurance was provided to HSC that the changes will raise the prominence and influence of qualified medical practitioners in the St John organisation, and that there will be no discontinuity, or dilution of quality in the services they provide as a result of these changes."

The review which led to the merger of the two organisations has been kept confidential so far, with HSC confirming it had no involvement in the matter.

"HSC had no involvement in the review undertaken by the UK Priory of St John, nor would it expect to have any involvement in what it understands was essentially an internal matter. Neither has HSC had involvement in the recent changes, other than to support the appointment of two Emergency Department consultants as Medical Advisor and Medical Director to enable the board to engage authoritatively on clinical matters.

"HSC’s primary concern is the on-going provision of a safe and reliable service through the fulfilment of the terms of its contract with St John. Since we were notified of the changes we have been in regular dialogue with The Commandery."

A meeting has been held between key senior staff at both organisations including the political President and Chief Secretary of HSC and the new Chairman, Knight Commander and Chief Officer of SJARS where there were further assurances about "the ability of the service to meet the terms of the contract that has an annual budget of £2.4m.

"To date, nothing has arisen that would give us cause for concern but HSC will continue to monitor the situation closely during this period of transition to ensure that the States ofGuernsey’s interests, and those of the public served are maintained at the highest levels."