Government of Jersey

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 13 April 2010 regarding: General Hospital - private patient accommodation charges increase.

Decision Reference: MD-HSS-2010-0020
Decision Summary Title :	Increase to private patient accommodation charges		Date of Decision Summary:	25 March 2010
Decision Summary Author:	Assistant Director Corporate Planning and Performance Management		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	Review of the Private Patient Wing. Implications for Accommodation Charges (interim increase)		Date of Written Report:	December 2009
Written Report Author:	Director of Finance HSSD		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Exempt 3.2.1 (a) (xi)
Subject: Increase to private patient accommodation charges.
Decision(s): The Minister approved the decision to raise private patient accommodation charges to £250 per day (from £200) and to £450 for an overnight stay (from £315), from 1 April 2010, as described in the report, “Review of the Private Patient Wing. Implications for Accommodation Charges (interim increase)” .This is an interim rise in charges whilst a full financial review of the private patient wing is undertaken.
Reason(s) for decision: To allow the private patient wing to cover its running costs and to bring charges in line with those charged by other centres such as Guernsey.
Resource Implications: An increase to the Private Patient income budget of between £350k and £589k, dependent on the impact to patient numbers of the charge increase.
Action required: To obtain approval from Treasury and Resource for an increase in charges above the rate of inflation. To undertake activities at the operational level to bring the charge increase into effect.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Health and Social Services
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):