Press Release - 2024 Connaught Care Home Board named as new healthcare plans gather momentum - 01.02.24

Media Release
Date: February 1st 2024
Issued at 08:20 hours

2024 Connaught Care Home Board named as new healthcare plans gather momentum

The States of Alderney has named the new Board of Directors for the Connaught Care Home for which it is sole shareholder.

The Connaught is set to play an integral role in Alderney Care Board's policy of Integrated Healthcare that will also include primary care, the hospital, ambulance and other services such as mental health provision and social prescribing (non-medical support).

New to the Board are the Head of Alderney Care, Will Pierce, and States Member Kevin Gentle representing the Shareholder, who join experienced strategic change specialist Judith Craske.

Policy & Finance Committee (PFC) Chairman Nigel Vooght said: "The Health & Social Care Strategy, better known as collaborative healthcare, will provide a modern-day approach to providing all islanders with improved services and I am delighted to welcome the new Connaught directors.

"Working with the Alderney Care Board, a joint Guernsey-Alderney forum, this programme will see all aspects of Community Care harmonised under one umbrella. We are now working to deliver this strategic goal of an integrated care programme that will benefit everyone on the Island.

"We will be clear about this vision which PFC is convinced will deliver an enviable standard of health and social care involving all stakeholders working together collaboratively, and seek the views of the public and answer all questions fully."

He also confirmed that any rumours about selling the Connaught to private business were untrue. "The Connaught is not for sale nor are there any plans to involve a private company in its operation," he said.

Ends

Notes for Editors:
The States of Alderney and Guernsey stepped in when the prospect of potential closure of the Island Medical Centre (IMC) arose in May 2022. The practice was subsequently acquired by government in October 2022.

A joint Guernsey and Alderney political forum, the Alderney Care Board, was formed to explore how health and care provision in Alderney could evolve, taking into account transferred services and on-island experience.

The Care Board was set up to act as a co-ordinating body for development of a new operating model for health and care for Alderney whereby GP services (IMC), the Ambulance Service (SJARS), acute services (MMH Hospital), Residential and Community Care (Connaught), pharmacy and third sector/private providers can work together to provide an integrated and efficient service for the Island.

Media Contact: Alistair.Forrest2@gov.gg