MSG backs calls for independent complaints body

The chair of Guernsey's Medical Specialist Group (MSG) has backed calls for an independent body to deal with patient complaints.

Former chief minister Gavin St Pier called for an independent review of how complaints are dealt with by the health service, in the debate which saw his proposed suspension from the States thrown out by deputies.

St Pier faced suspension, after being found to have broken the States code of conduct during a phone call with a journalist from The Guardian where he discussed safeguarding concerns and a local doctor.

MSG chair Dr Steve Evans said he welcomed the idea of an independent body, which he felt would benefit patients and doctors.

During the debate on the proposal to suspend St Pier a number of deputies criticised the way Health and Social Care dealt with complaints by patients.

Former vice-president of Health and Social Care Tina Bury said she did not feel the current system was "fit for purpose".

Upon hearing that the MSG was now behind the concept of an independent complaints body, St Pier said this was "a positive that had emerged from this challenging process".

States members rejected plans for an independent ombudsman to deal with complaints against the States, in the last political term.

He said this debate had "exposed that the system which deals with complaints was not fit for purpose and that is the learning point we have to take away from this debate".

Following the debate on St Pier's proposed suspension, Dr Evans said he felt complaints were dealt with fairly at the moment.

But he said there would be benefits to an independent complaints body and he believed it might give reassurances to some of the families who were mentioned in debate.

He added: "It may also help people who may be afraid to come forward.

"I also think it would give significant protection to the doctors, because the claims are we look after our own, and we honestly don't, so I think an independent body may give them protection.

"I don't know how it would work in a small jurisdiction, and I wonder whether those judgements will be respected. But we will see."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.