Both islands have, once again, pledged to explore options to work jointly on health and care challenges.

Jersey and Guernsey have formed the Channel Island Alliance for Health and Social Care to collaborate on services across the sector.

The alliance will play a key role in making recommendations to the governments in both islands on 'opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit'.

It is the latest political attempt to work together to find savings and share resources.

A year ago, a similar aim was announced between the islands' two Public Health services.

Guernsey's President of the Committee of Health & Social Care Deputy Al Brouard says both islands will benefit from joint working.

"Both Guernsey and Jersey share many of the same challenges in terms of the delivery of health and social care both now and in the future.

Whether it is recruiting and retaining the staff we need to deliver vital services, having enough suitable accommodation for those essential staff, or ensuring we have the bandwidth to deliver the increased services our ageing demographics need.

Where there is the potential to work together, both islands' health authorities are committed to doing so.

While the alliance has only just been created so is yet to bear fruit, it is my hope and expectation that it will lead to long-term benefits for both islands."

The alliance includes senior staff from both islands who will meet six times a year and will report to their respective governments quarterly.

Deputy Tom Binet, Minister for Health & Social Services in Jersey, adds that there will be lots of opportunity to share resources.

"It is becoming increasingly important for our islands to share resources and information that will strengthen the sustainability of our health and social care services and provide greater value for money.

There are many avenues to explore in this arena and although it is early days, I look forward to working closely with Guernsey and developing a clear direction forward."

However, Guernsey's second most senior politician, Policy and Resources Vice President Deputy Heidi Soulsby, has questioned how this is different to a past announcement on joint-working.

Interesting one. What happened to the CI Health Authority set up with Jersey last term? How is it different? @gavinstpier https://t.co/TjqCUx21y1

— Heidi Soulsby (@HeidiSoulsby) March 5, 2024