From Jane Hardwin.
I WRITE in response to an article in the JEP on 4 February concerning the refusal of the States to pay air fares to hospitals outside the Island for (what they term as) wealthy residents for services that are not available locally.

I had a very sick baby who required urgent treatment in Southampton, only to be told at this difficult time that I would need to foot the bill for the travel. This followed extensive and personal questioning from the travel department at the General Hospital to which I had to divulge sensitive information.

I am not a wealthy resident by any standards, merely a middle-earner who spends over £26,000 annually on nursery fees for two children. I cannot afford to stay at home (as I would like to) and look after my sick child because I have a hefty mortgage to pay on my small terrace home. After that, there is not a great deal left over.

I have always paid the full rate of social security without exception, yet when I need access to this service I am refused. It seems that those who contribute most to society are predominantly penalised.

Many would agree that all aspects of welfare should be considered and universally applied to all society as a right and without prejudice. Under the present scheme, groups eligible to receive benefits from the welfare state became ever more concentrated at the bottom end of the income scale. One may conclude that this type of means-testing makes society dependent and less inclined to work.

The Health and Social Services website clearly states: ‘The Department of Health and Social Services promotes health and social well-being for the whole community, providing prompt services to all and protecting the interests of the frail and the vulnerable.’ Perhaps it is time to rethink the choice of words to include the various social groups which are currently excluded.
Clos de Breton,
St Clement.