Home / Health / Jersey Neurology Under Strain: Experts Warn of Workload
Jersey Neurology Under Strain: Experts Warn of Workload
19 Feb
Summary
- Neurology service faced critical strain due to a single retiring consultant.
- Report highlights unsafe prescribing practices lacking a dedicated pharmacist.
- Government has initiated an action plan to implement RCP recommendations.
Health experts have voiced serious concerns regarding workload pressures within Jersey's neurology service, based at the Enid Quenault Health and Wellbeing Centre. A report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) indicated that the service had been critically dependent on a single consultant, who has recently retired, leaving the dedicated team "overstretched."
The RCP issued several recommendations for improvement, focusing on workforce needs and administrative support. The review, conducted in January and February 2025, identified "major structural weaknesses" and "service fragility" stemming from insufficient workforce planning and governance issues.
Furthermore, the report highlighted unsafe or sub-optimal prescribing practices, noting the absence of a dedicated neurology pharmacist at the time of the review. Incorrect prescriptions, including migraine drugs outside guidelines, were found to be reaching the pharmacy.
Despite these significant challenges, the review team observed a "strong commitment" from service personnel to improve patient outcomes. The government confirmed that the RCP's recommendations are being integrated into a medicine recovery plan and are being monitored monthly.
Efforts are actively underway to address the staffing shortages, with a recruitment process for a new consultant neurologist having commenced. Interviews for the critical role were scheduled for March. The health minister stated that an action plan has been drawn up, with two initial actions already completed, aiming to enhance the service.
