'No compensation route' for Jersey rheumatology patients
A Royal College of Physicians report found the standard of care provided by the service in 2023 to be "well below" an acceptable standard.In April 2024, Deputy Tom Binet, minister for health and social services, said he was committed to publishing an action plan by the end of June that year to ensure the completion of recommendations included within the review.Deputy Jonathan Renouf has since tabled a written question to the States, requesting an update and asking if the department was still considering a group compensation scheme.The department said it had been exploring the possibility of a compensation scheme in relation to rheumatology complaints and claims, but "currently there is no such route available". "Patients and relatives are being advised to seek independent on-Island legal advice should they wish to consider making a claim," the department said.The response went on to say that Citizens Advice Jersey might be able to provide further information on how to do this.The health department said 12 of the recommendations made in the review had now been implemented, with a further five nearing completion.There were four outstanding recommendations that still needed to be actioned, including a full rollout of electronic prescribing and medicines administration across all outpatient areas.The licensing and full functionality of this was dependent on future funding and digital service capacity and "this remains a strategic priority for 2026", the response added.
A spokesperson for Viberts law firm, which represents a "significant number" of patients, said: "This news has been disappointing and continues our concern that individuals may be effectively prohibited from obtaining compensation which we do not consider is a just or fair position."Where this affects our clients or people that have made inquiries with Viberts we will be considering alternative action on a case-by-case basis."Viberts remained committed to assisting individuals with claims through the standard Royal Court process, they added.
Analysis
By Ammar Ebrahim, BBC Jersey political reporter
The news that there won't be a compensation scheme will come as a huge blow to those impacted by failings in rheumatology.One patient who was given wrong medication that damaged her liver told me that "having them insist that those affected go to the expense of suing them is denying those who cant afford to do that any recourse. It adds insult to injury".What will make this more uncomfortable for the government is that the law firm representing some of the people impacted by the failings in rheumatology say this decision is neither "just or fair".Health leaders have said rheumatology is a different department now but for those patients who have found out a compensation scheme is no longer an option, that will be of little comfort.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
10 minutes ago
- BBC News
Jersey minister calls for health budget to be increased
Jersey's health minister has called for an increase to the island's health funding, after a forecast predicted the department would be £18m over budget for auditor general, Lynn Pamment, said the rapid rise in spending was a cause for concern and said previous money-saving recommendations had yet to be brought Tom Binet, the health minister, wants a 5%-above-inflation budget increase for several years, to keep up with the costs of new treatments and people living said calling the situation an overspend had damaged staff morale and was "very negative", as health had not received enough budget in the past. "It's made life very challenging for the people who are trying to turn around the health service," he said modern science kept on introducing "better drugs [and] better treatment", which cost more said his department was expected to deliver "what it delivered the year before plus whatever else was thrown its way - all of that costs money."
Daily Mail
13 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
'This cream is a time machine!': Score the anti-ageing night cream that's 20 times more effective than retinol with our EXCLUSIVE discount code
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more A dermatologist-created night cream is taking the skincare community by storm with its supercharged formula that promises to smooth, hydrate and perfect the skin in as little as 12 weeks – and users say they 'wouldn't be without it'. Proven to be 20 times more effective than retinol without any of the irritation, the Skin Diary Night Repair Therapy has been designed to protect, rebuild and restore your skin's structure fast – and we've got an exclusive discount code. The Skin Diary Night Repair Therapy Powered by research conducted in skin biology and regenerative medicine, this powerful formulation is clinically proven to increase collagen and elastin production, resulting in youthful-looking, healthier skin without any irritation - even on sensitive skin. The best bit? You can score a whopping 10 per cent off when you use the code DAILY_MAIL_JULY25 at checkout – but you'll have to be quick, as this offer expires in two weeks. £121.50 (save £13.50) Shop That's right, as of today, you can score a whopping 10 per cent off when you use the code DAILY_MAIL_JULY25 at checkout – but you'll have to be quick, as this offer expires in two weeks. Born from decades of pioneering research by Professor Chris Griffiths OBE and Dr. Tamara Griffiths, the Skin Diary Night Repair Therapy is a supercharged, research-backed cream that's proven to reverse skin ageing – and users say the results are 'remarkable'. 'After using Skin Diary Night Repair Cream, I've noticed a remarkable transformation in my complexion,' raved one impressed reviewer. 'Non greasy, lightweight leaves my skin feeling refreshed. Exceeded my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking to enhance their skincare!' Powered by research conducted in skin biology and regenerative medicine, this powerful formulation is clinically proven to increase collagen and elastin production, resulting in youthful-looking, healthier skin without any irritation - even on sensitive skin. The cream transforms your skin's structure in three ways - by protecting your skin's healthy cells, renewing through collagen and elastin repair, and restoring skin moisture levels Night Repair Therapy works to transform your skin's structure in three ways - firstly, through protecting your skin's healthy cells, secondly, by renewing through collagen and elastin repair, and thirdly, through restoring skin moisture levels and skin barrier function. This is all thanks to the cocktail of synergistic active ingredients, including peptides, retinyl ester and hyaluronic acid, that work together to provide incredible results without irritation. The result is skin with a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, an improvement in skin hydration and texture, and a strengthened skin barrier. In other words, this potent face cream works wonders overnight to bring you younger-looking, healthier and more hydrated skin, delivering incredible results you can see. In fact, in clinical trials, the Skin Diary Night Repair Therapy was proven to increase collagen and elastic fibres, and clinically proven to significantly reduce wrinkles in 12 weeks. Better still, in consumer trials, 93 per cent of users noticed healthier-looking skin, 86 per cent experienced more youthful-looking skin and 98 per cent agreed the cream was gentle on the skin. Users can't get enough of the Skin Diary cream, calling it 'fabulous on the skin' and adding how their skin already 'looks happier and healthier.' 'I am so impressed with this product,' raved one impressed five-star reviewer. 'I have seen a real difference to my skin. I have improved clarity, even skin tone, plumpness and will continue to use now I have discovered it.' Another added: 'OMG this cream is a time machine! I am 64 years old and I have tried loads over creams and regimes over the years, some cheap, some eye wateringly expensive, this is by far the best I have used. 'I have been using it for 10 days and there is a noticeable difference in pore size and my skin looks fresher.' Ready to turn back the clocks? Snap up this top-selling cream with a whopping 10 per cent discount with our exclusive discount code DAILY_MAIL_JULY25 for a limited time.
Daily Mail
13 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Trump's 'mysterious condition' resurfaces during Scotland visit
Donald Trump once again had a mysterious tan makeup caked on his hand Sunday during his trip to Scotland. The splotched hand appeared just weeks after The White House revealed that Trump has been diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency.' Earlier this month, Trump, 79, appeared at a White House press gaggle with what looked like makeup covering a patch on the back of his hand, sparking concerns. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed the president recently 'noticed mild swelling in the lower legs' and was evaluated by the White House medical unit. Leavitt said he underwent a 'comprehensive examination' which included 'diagnostic vascular studies.' 'Bilateral, lower extremity ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency,' Leavitt stated. She said it's a 'common condition' in individuals over the age of 70 and there was 'no evidence' of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. 'The president remains in excellent health,' Leavitt said overall. The president has spent the past few days in Scotland meeting with everyone from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The makeup covering has been visible in multiple press photos throughout Trump's trip. The makeup appeared to be concealing a raised circular area of skin that Trump's team may have been eager to hide. The splotch has been visible on other occasions throughout the past month, sparking a new round of questions about the cause. Earlier this month, in a surprise statement during a press briefing, Leavitt told reporters the president was checked out by his doctor after noticeable 'swelling.' Leavitt said in response to a question that there was 'no discomfort from the president at all.' She then pointed to his daily activities. 'And you probably all see that on a day-to-day basis, he's working around the clock. As for the treatment, I can defer to the president's physician,' she said. The letter released by White House Physician Sean Barbarella, DO, references 'mild swelling' in Trump's lower legs, and states the diagnosis emerged after a series of vascular studies. Neither Leavitt nor the letter addressed whether Trump would have to modify any of his routines, which include frequent golfing at his private courses on weekends, and his trademark dance moves to 'Y.M.C.A.' when he addresses rally crowds. Leavitt said there was 'no discomfort' for the president at all. Officials have previously mentioned Trump's frequent handshaking – Trump regularly interacts with a large number of people at White House events and when he travels – as the cause of the bruising, but have not previously identified the aspirin issue. The bruising had stayed with Trump from the presidential campaign through his return to the White House. According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic venous insufficiency occurs when leg veins are damaged, making it more difficult for blood to return to the heart. It 'causes blood to pool in your leg veins, leading to high pressure in those veins.' The condition is fairly common, affecting one in 20 adults, and the risk increases with age. It can lead to achy legs, a feeling of 'pins and needles,' cramping, swelling and itching, as well as 'Leathery-looking skin on your legs.' Up to half the people who have had deep vein thrombosis later develop post-thrombotic syndrome within a year or two. That relates to scar tissue that can develop after a blood clot. Trump was the oldest person to take the Oath of Office when he was sworn in in January at age 78. He has said repeatedly that his predecessor Joe Biden, 82, had no idea what he was doing and this week opened a probe into an alleged 'cover-up' through his use of an autopen for a series of commutations. Trump reposted an item in May calling Biden a 'decrepit [expletive],' days after Biden got a prostate cancer diagnosis. Trump has made a point of demonstrating his own physical and mental vigor – taking question after question from reporters inside the Oval Office, sometimes speaking for up to an hour.
