Health and Social
Other than the cost pressures of delivering all care, and the rise in mental health issues (which is a global phenomenon, likely driven by falling living standards) I personally think Guernsey Health and Social Care is some of the best in the world (have you ever tried to get a doctor’s appointment on the NHS? Guernsey truly is blessed).
Cost Discussion
I have spoken above about the Active 8 strategy and its importance to the health of the island. Along side this, I think there needs to be a discussion on what the island is willing to pay for and what it is not. New medical treatments are being developed every year, but that doesn’t mean they are affordable or practical for a small island to adopt. I believe, as I set out above in my economy section, that the Health department needs to identify critical and important services that affect substantive numbers of islanders (such as cancer treatments which affect 1 in 2 people), as well as concentration on preventative measures (such as Active 8). For more esoteric treatments, Health needs to set out its expectations and what it believes the islands expectations are. Yes, it would be fantastic if we could offer everything available, but, given the costs involved, we cant. Guernsey is not a country, it is an island, with an islands limited resources. A real conversation with the public is needed about what is sustainable over the medium to long term is needed. This would make cost pressure management a lot easier and understandable for everyone.
Mental Health
I appreciate that this is a very sensitive topic. I personally have a diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder (and have done since I was 17). Whilst I am sure that the main way to help treat the stresses of modern life, is through careful therapy (I have been utilizing therapeutic support since I was 20 years old on and off), I think something that really needs to be embedded in our society is the de-stigmatization of mental health issues given the growing prevalence of them (as evidenced by the strain on our mental health unit). Whilst much progress has been made over the past 20 years in this, it can still be viewed by employers and island residents as a “problem” and not to be talked about.
From my own personal experience, sharing troubles with friends, walking in nature, singing (or doing anything you love that is creative) speaking to a therapist, using medication when needed, all need to be supported. I have been lucky to have supportive employers, supportive friends and an island community that provides fantastic nature and creative outlets. Id like to see that available to all islanders. All it needs is a communication strategy that reminds us all that as a community, all we have is each other and that its ok not to be ok, but, that the road to recovery requires the first step to be taken, and then the next.