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Working in Jersey’s Private Healthcare

• October 17, 2024

 

Are you an NHS or overseas-trained doctor looking to boost your main income? You’re not alone! Many doctors employed in the UK turn to the private sector for extra work at some point, and those considering Jersey as a future employer will be pleased to know it is an excellent place to do just that.

With about 30% of Jersey’s population covered by private healthcare insurance, the demand for private services is on the rise. This makes now the perfect time to consider relocating to Jersey, where you can balance public sector responsibilities with exciting opportunities in a growing private healthcare market. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career or simply increase your earnings, Jersey has a lot to offer.

Throughout this blog we will be looking into:

• Health and Community Service’s (HCS) Private Patients Services Strategy
• Benefits of Working in Jersey’s Private Sector
• Career Growth Opportunities for IMGs in Jersey’s Private Healthcare
• How to move from NHS to private

Health and Community Service’s (HCS) Private Patients Services Strategy

Since the pandemic, Jersey’s private patient revenues took a hit, but things are looking up. In 2023, private patients contributed £12.2 million to Health & Community Services (HCS), about 5% of its total budget. Now, with the launch of the Private Patients Services Strategy, HCS aims to double that figure to over £24 million.

This growth presents exciting opportunities for consultants and specialists, allowing for enhanced career and skill development alongside the main bulk of their work in public sector.

Having choices in healthcare provision not only brings comfort but can also benefits the entire system. Supporting the option to go private enhances care delivery for both clinicians and patients in Jersey. It’s an exciting time to be part of this evolving landscape!

Jersey’s Private Patients Services Strategy: A Vision for 2024-2028

Jersey has unveiled its Private Patients Services Strategy for 2024-2028, aiming to elevate private healthcare on the island over the next five years. Here’s a snapshot of the key goals:

• Attracting Top Talent: The strategy seeks to draw in highly-skilled consultants and specialists from the UK and EEA region, enriching and diversifying Jersey's healthcare expertise.
• Expanding Service Options: By broadening the range of private healthcare services, patients will have more tailored choices to meet their specific needs.
• Boosting Revenue for Community Benefit: The goal is to double private patient income to over £24 million by 2028, contributing to the overall healthcare system and benefiting all islanders. Think of the potential for your fledgling private practice!
• Supporting Healthcare Professionals: The plan emphasises collaboration with doctors. The HCS private patients’ leadership team will work closely with consultants to develop and grow services, backed by government support through stakeholder engagement, giving you the guidance and security to take this big step!

This strategy promises exciting advancements for both healthcare professionals and the community.

Benefits of Working in Jersey’s Private Sector

Thinking about making the switch from public to private healthcare? Here are some compelling reasons:

• Career Advancement: The private sector offers numerous opportunities for leadership roles, business partnerships, and even the chance to establish your own practice. For those looking for the next step in their career, this would be great for the portfolio!
• Better Work-Life Balance: Generally, Jersey’s healthcare workers report lower burnout rates compared to those in the NHS. This may mean you have more time available to supplement your public sector work, with your private sector work, and not just at the expense of your personal time and sanity!
• Support from HCS: The HCS private patients leadership team collaborates with medical consultants to help them develop and enhance commercial services, ensuring mutual benefits for everyone involved.
• Government Backing: If you’re interested in the private medical sector, substantial government support is available, whether you want to open your own practice or become a partner, through the
• Improving Public Health: By easing the demand for state care, you can help reduce waiting lists, allowing patients to receive timely care and avoid worsening conditions.

Career Growth Opportunities for IMGs in Jersey’s Private Healthcare

1. Leadership and Business Roles: IMGs can pursue leadership positions, form partnerships, or launch their own practices in Jersey’s expanding private healthcare market.

2. Specialisation and Niche Services: The opportunity to specialise in areas like cosmetic surgery or oncology allows IMGs to introduce unique treatments and thrive in a patient-focused environment.
3. Starting a Private Practice: As previously stated, IMGs receive support from Jersey’s Health & Community Services (HCS) for business planning, marketing, and regulations, ensuring a smooth transition to private practice, as well as financial incentives from the government to help start things up.
4. Networking and Collaboration: Joining a network of specialists offers opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange, enhancing career advancement.
5. Leading Service Expansion: IMGs can take on leadership roles in developing and expanding innovative healthcare services as the sector grows.
6. Active Role in the Private Patients Strategy: Contributing to Jersey’s Private Patients Services Strategy allows IMGs to help shape the future of private healthcare.
7. Enhanced Professional Recognition: Working in Jersey’s high-standard private healthcare system helps IMGs build recognition locally and internationally, creating future opportunities worldwide.

How to move from NHS to private in 10 steps
 

1. Understand Jersey’s Healthcare System: Jersey has its own independent healthcare system. Consultants often work in private practices or a hybrid model with Jersey General Hospital, where many patients pay for services directly or through insurance.
2. Research Private Hospitals and Clinics: Key private providers include Lido Medical Centre and Clinique Pinel. Explore opportunities at Jersey General Hospital, which may offer private consulting roles.
3. Jersey License to Practice: Ensure you’re licensed to practice in Jersey by registering with the Jersey Care Commission, which regulates healthcare professionals on the island.
4. Private Practice Setup: If starting your own practice, register it with Jersey's Government and secure medical indemnity insurance. Build relationships with private insurers like Bupa and AXA PPP.
5. Finding Job Opportunities: Jersey has a demand for specialists in fields like orthopaedics and cardiology. Check job listings at Jersey General Hospital and private clinics.
6. Building a Patient Base: Success in private practice relies on referrals from local GPs and maintaining a strong professional reputation. Consider marketing yourself through websites and local directories.
7. Work Flexibility: Many consultants work in both public and private sectors. Decide if you want to focus solely on private care or split your time.
8. Finances and Earnings: Private consultants can earn significantly more than NHS counterparts, but consider Jersey’s higher cost of living when planning your finances.
9. Housing and Relocation: Understand local housing rules, as competition for rentals can be high. Your employer might assist with relocation.
10. Legal and Tax Considerations: Familiarise yourself with Jersey’s tax laws, which differ from the UK. Private earnings must be declared to the Jersey tax authorities.
     

Wrapping Up!

To transition from an NHS role to Jersey private healthcare as a consultant or specialist, you must:

1. Familiarise yourself with Jersey's healthcare system and private sector.
2. Obtain the necessary medical licenses and register with the Jersey Care Commission.
3. Explore employment or business opportunities at private clinics, Jersey General Hospital, or set up your own practice whole researching all opportunities.
4. Establish a patient base, including networking with local GPs and insurers.
5. Understand the financial and legal implications of practicing privately in Jersey.