Health & Social Care say removing the tiered time-based tariffs should make accessing emergency healthcare easier, and ensure people aren't put off attending when they need treatment.

From 1 October 2024, Adults will pay either £100 for advice and minor treatment, or £250 for more extensive treatment.

Cancer patients and visitors from Jersey and the UK are exempt from the charges.

Children under 18 will continue to pay £25.

The old system, which is in place until 30 September 2024, had four tiers of charges, including nights and weekends, with four additional consultation fees, depending on the severity of treatment needed.

HSC President Deputy Al Brouard, hopes the new structure will remove barriers to healthcare.

“The new charging structure makes it fair and equitable for people to access emergency healthcare at any time of the day or night, with consistent pricing.

By simplifying the charges and removing the time-based tariffs and attendance fees, we hope the charging structure will be easier to understand and no longer present a barrier to those who may have previously avoided attending ED during certain times because of the associated higher costs.

With a focus on openness and transparency, the Committee has agreed the changes in close consultation with representative groups, including the Guernsey Cancer Alliance.”