People living with chronic conditions in Guernsey are set to benefit from the island’s first permanent consultant rheumatologist.
Guernsey’s Medical Specialist Group (MSG) has appointed Dr Michael Clynes to help those living with chronic conditions, including those that affect joints, muscles and the immune system.
A new consultant dermatologist, Dr Alice Walker, has also been appointed as both services are being moved from the States to MSG.
Dermot Mullin, head of operations at Health and Social Care (HSC) which is funding the appointments, said the change was due to an “increase in demand” and they are not looking to transfer other services.
“The decision to transfer dermatology and rheumatology services to the MSG was made with the sole focus on improving the service that patients receive,” he said.
Mr Mullin said an additional investment had been agreed from the existing HSC 2025 budget for the new appointments.
The new permanent roles replace the long-standing arrangement of rheumatologists employed by HSC visiting the island to see patients.
It is expected to provide better ongoing support for patients living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.
About 30 new patients a month are referred to rheumatology, the MSG said.
“While it is an increased investment, running an improved service on-island for patients greatly increases the provision of both services and provides value for money by growing resilience and capacity on-island,” Mr Mullin said.
“It brings enhanced continuity and quality of care that should mean better long-term outcomes for patients and long-term cost efficiency through better disease management and reduced emergency admissions.”