03 September 2026
An independent chair has been appointed to lead the committee that will supervise the implementation of Jersey’s Assisted Dying Service.
Following a rigorous recruitment process, overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission, Dr Sarah Wollaston has been appointed as Chair of the Assisted Dying Assurance and Delivery Committee. Dr Wollaston has 24 years’ experience delivering care in both hospital and primary care settings. She has been an MP and Chair of the Health and Care Select Committee in England, as well as Chair of NHS Devon.
The committee, and the chair, are both required by the Assisted Dying Law, which was approved by the States Assembly in February and received Royal Assent in July. The Law includes a legal duty to ensure the Assisted Dying Law is implemented and adhered to in full, and to assure the Minister for Health and Social Services of the quality and safety of the Assisted Dying service.
The Assurance and Delivery Committee is specified in the Assisted Dying Law. It will comprise between seven and 15 committee members, including a member from end-of-life or palliative care services and a representative of patients and/or relatives. Recruitment to the remainder of the committee will commence in the coming months, now that the chair has been appointed.
Dr Wollaston said: “I am honoured to have been appointed to chair the Assisted Dying Assurance and Delivery Committee. I want to make sure that this new service for the residents of Jersey is compassionate and lawful, with well-trained and supported staff, and that everyone involved keeps patients and their loved ones at the heart of everything we all do.”
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Tom Binet, said: “Dr Wollaston brings extensive clinical experience, a strong understanding of health and care governance and a proven track record of public service. Her role will be to provide independent assurance as the Committee oversees the implementation of the law approved by the Assembly.
“This appointment is about ensuring that, as we work towards the law coming into force, robust safeguards, effective governance and patient safety remain central. I look forward to working with Dr Wollaston and the Committee as they undertake this important responsibility.”
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