Consultant neurology care

WQ.230/2026

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

BY DEPUTY L.V. FELTHAM OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 26th OCTOBER 2026

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 2026

Question

"Will the Minister explain the current arrangements for access to consultant neurology care, including –

1. the substantive, locum and visiting consultant capacity available and how continuity of service is maintained;
2. which  off-Island  providers  currently  accept  neurology  referrals  from  Jersey,  including  any restrictions on referrals and when the position was last confirmed;
3. the number of patients awaiting an initial neurology consultant appointment or an off-Island referral, broken down by clinical priority and waiting times, with any overlap between these groups identified; and
4. the alternative arrangements for clinical review and escalation where local or off-Island neurology services are unavailable?"

Answer

1. The department retains one locum Consultant Neurologist who is supporting our Botox clinics, as well as an acute medicine physician with an interest in Neurology who is supporting a cohort of MS patients and a middle grade doctor in the department. Our most recent locum Neurologist unfortunately had to leave the island earlier than anticipated, due to personal reasons. They have offered to continue offering a hybrid model, with virtual clinics and on-island presence every few weeks. Governance processes are being reviewed before signing off the agreement. In addition, the department is actively seeking locum cover, but unfortunately has not been successful as yet. Our usual agencies have confirmed that demand for these roles is high across the UK and not just in Jersey, with very limited clinicians available. The department is also approaching targeted recruitment agencies, headhunters, and UK insourcing providers, with further meetings planned this week. HCJ are in discussions with UK providers to set up a formal tertiary link, with associated on- island provision and a long-term relationship. HCJ are also in an active recruitment process to hire substantive Consultants and have made an offer of employment to one candidate.
2. If a patient needs to be seen by a specialist, then we are consulting with our current UK partner (Queen's Square) and sending patients off-island where clinically urgent.
3. No of patients waiting for a first appointment: 1197

Of these:

1. 42 urgent
2. 225 soon
3. 928 routine
4. 2 suspected cancer

Note: Accurate as of 30/10/26 @ 16:30 (snapshot)

Patients awaiting a Follow Up: 2617, of which about 300 will be due in the next 3 months.

4. Patient priority is assessed on an individual basis, and this will guide the next steps in such circumstances. For example, if a patient is identified as urgent, we would consult with our current UK partner (Queen's Square). Pathways with UK tertiary partners for other different clinical pathways are in development.