Island Healthcare Fund created

A new fund has been launched to support projects aimed at improving health and wellbeing across Jersey.

The Island Health Fund has been created by Jersey Community Foundation as a dedicated way for people, families, businesses, and charities to support health and wellbeing projects.

It has been described as a fund designed to complement, not replace, government and public-funded healthcare.

The foundation said:

"It will provide an additional source of philanthropic funding to enhance services, support innovation and create opportunities to improve health outcomes for Islanders.

"Philanthropy already plays an established role in supporting health in many jurisdictions. In the UK, for example, more than 220 local and specialist NHS charities support hospitals, community health services, mental health trusts and other healthcare organisations, funding initiatives including equipment, research, facilities and improvements to patient care.

"Jersey currently does not have an equivalent dedicated philanthropic health fund. The Island Health Fund will provide a trusted and independent way for people who want to contribute to better health in Jersey to do so."

The JCF adds that it could support projects such as:

• Advanced medical equipment and technology
• Research and clinical innovation
• Enhanced patient facilities and therapeutic environments
• Community health initiatives
• Specialist training and pilot programmes testing new approaches to improving health outcomes

Anna Terry, CEO of Jersey Community Foundation, said:

"We are delighted to launch the Island Health Fund and create a dedicated way for people to contribute to better health in Jersey.

"This is not about replacing Government funding. It is about what additional philanthropic support can make possible.

"Some of the challenges and opportunities we face will require different organisations and funders to work together, with philanthropy connected to expertise, evidence and a clear understanding of local need."

An independent panel will be created to determine the fund's priorities and oversee future funding decisions.

The foundation will work with healthcare providers, charities, government, businesses and other parties to identify areas of need and opportunities where additional philanthropic funding could make a meaningful difference.

The distinct remit is to improve health outcomes for islanders, with funding decisions made independently.

Health Minister, Senator Tom Binet, said:

"I welcome the establishment of the Island Health Fund and the opportunity it creates to attract new philanthropic support for health and wellbeing in Jersey.

"This is a new opportunity for individuals, families, businesses and others who want to contribute to the future of health in our Island.

"I look forward to seeing the Fund develop and to Health working constructively with Jersey Community Foundation as it identifies opportunities where additional support could make a difference."

The fund will operate as a restricted charitable fund within Jersey Community Foundation.