Jehan Resigns In Scathing Attack On Health

St John Constable and Vice Chair of the States Employment Board, Andy Jehan has resigned from his position on the Council of Ministers.

In his letter to Deputy Kristina Moore, Constable Jehan says is leaving his position as Assistant Chief Minister because he has 'severe concerns over Health', particularly focusing on the Health Advisory Board.

"I am shocked and disappointed at the recent appointment of a fourth NED (Non Executive Director) to the Health Advisory Board, a former senior manager at HCS, and the extension of the Interim Chair's appointment.

The latter a decision which many on the Council of Ministers, myself included, where only informed of on Thursday (23 Nov) when a draft press release was circulated."

I have today advised colleagues of my resignation from my position as Assistant Chief Minister with immediate effect.
Attached is my letter of resignation.
I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the Officers and staff who I have had the pleasure of working with AJ pic.twitter.com/f0vcCCCau8

— Andy Jehan 🇯🇪 (@AndyJehan) November 26, 2023

Constable Jehan claims that between November 2022 and October this year, the government has paid 'in excess' of £250,000 to the Interim Chair Professor Hugo Mascie-Taylor and £73,000 on a recruitment agency to fill positions on the advisory board.

He says this is an 'indefensible misuse of taxpayers money'.

Health Minister Deputy Karen Wilson set up the board in the wake of a damning report by Professor Mascie-Taylor found a toxic environment at the hospital which could put patient safety at risk.

Mr Jehan, who in his position as Assistant CM was Vice Chair of the States Employment Board, claims that since the board was created, it has met twice and remains incomplete.

He says:

"despite the Jersey Appointments Commission recommending an 'excellent' candidate who had been through due process, the Health Minister decided against appointing a new candidate and the search for a permanent Chair continues.  What reputational damage the failure to appoint such a high calibre candidate does to us, only time will tell."

In his resignation letter, the St John Constable  also says there are other areas in the Health Department that 'cause concern'.

"The decision to delay the debate on Assisted dying by at least six months is something that I and many Islanders deeply regret.

The Health Minister's reluctance to publicly endorse the plans for the New Hospital facilities Is also regrettable and I fear could cause further delay.

The lack of any coherent Health Strategy to provide strategic direction in this vital area."

Channel 103 has asked the government for comment.