Ex-MP to oversee Jersey's Assisted Dying Service

A doctor and former MP has been appointed to lead the committee supervising the implementation of Jersey's Assisted Dying Service.

Dr Sarah Wollaston spent more than two decades working in hospital and primary care settings, was MP for Totnes in Devon from 2010-2019 and chair of the UK's Health and Care Select Committee.

She was among the majority of MPs who voted against assisted dying proposals in 2015 and has expressed concerns about normalising decisions about life and death and the affect of assisted dying on doctors.

Wollaston said she wanted the service to be "compassionate and lawful, with well-trained and supported staff" with "patients and their loved ones at the heart of everything".

The law approved by the States says assisted dying would be an option for adults who meet strict criteria, which includes being an island resident for at least 12 months and having the mental capacity to make the decision.

Appointing the committee and the chair, are requirements of the Assisted Dying Law, which was approved by the States Assembly in February and received Royal Assent in July.

The Government of Jersey said the law included a legal duty to ensure it 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.

It said the recruitment for the rest of the committee, which the law says should have between seven and 15 members, would start in "the coming months".

The Minister for Health and Social Services, 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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