Alderney has an excellent healthcare system, however it’s worth noting that the system for accessing medical treatment differs to the UK as we do not have the National Health Service (NHS). We pay for all of our own primary care which includes GP visits and A&E.
Although it is not part of the NHS, Alderney employs the UK’s best practice across its medical centres on island and in Guernsey.
The healthcare system is partly funded by Guernsey’s Employment and Social Security Committee, with residents paying into an income-related contributions scheme as part of their Social Security payments.
GP visits, A&E visits delivered privately in Alderney and referred to as “Primary Care”.
Residents receive a small grant towards the cost of a consultation but the remaining balance is paid by the patient (or by private medical insurance if they have subscribed to a suitable policy).
This system means that islanders find it easy to get an appointment with their doctor, and the islands Accident & Emergency department is very efficient.
Specialist care (also called “Secondary Care”) is provided by The Medical Specialist Group (MSG) based in Guernsey, a private practice of specialist consultants. The cost of treatment and hospitalisation for Secondary Care when referred by a GP or Consultant is covered by the States of Guernsey and this includes any treatment and care which may have to be delivered in the UK.
It’s important to register with the Social Security department as soon as you arrive to benefit from the healthcare system.
Registering with a GP
There is one General Practice on Alderney, The Island Medical Centre. A visit to the GP must be paid for directly by the recipient, or through healthcare insurance schemes.
Secondary Care
Secondary or specialist care is delivered via the Medical Specialist Group (MSG) in Guernsey. The MSG’s consultants provide the majority of medical services, including surgery, performed at Guernsey's hospital (Princess Elizabeth Hospital, PEH).
If the specialist care you need is not available in Guernsey your consultant will make a request for you to be seen at a hospital or treatment centre in Jersey or the UK.
Travel to off island referral appointments is covered by the States of Guernsey Social Security Department.
The MSG also provides treatment that can be paid for by the patient, known as “private patient care”. The PEH has a private wing (the Victoria Wing) where private patients may elect to stay for inpatient treatment.
If you would like to receive private healthcare, you can ask your GP for a referral or go directly to the MSG.
Alderney's Hospital
The Mignot Memorial Hospital (MMH) consists of 22 beds, 14 of which are designated for continuing care or long-stay patients. There are a further 8 beds for acute admissions, usually for medical emergencies but also for patients returning from surgery in Guernsey or UK who need additional nursing care before going home. There is a well equipped treatment room with 2 emergency bays, an outpatient department, and digital x-ray facilities.
Doctors provide 24 hour care 365 days of the year to the hospital in-patients as well as providing round the clock care to outpatients who need emergency treatment. Accidents include broken bones, dislocations, falls, sprains, cuts, as well as medical emergencies such as heart attack, strokes and complications of diabetes, among many more.
Nursing staff from the hospital also provide care for patients in the community that are unable to attend the hospital for specialist dressings or other nursing procedures.
Patients requiring urgent emergency care are transferred by air or sea to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in Guernsey. Nursing staff will escort patients on transfers to the PEH, although doctors will also accompany patients with critical care needs.
Visiting specialists from the Guernsey Medical Specialist Group, and other Health Professionals visit Alderney regularly to carry out clinics at the MMH. Video conferencing equipment facilities are available and are particularly effective for remote case meetings and mental health appointments.
Medical services on Alderney are provided through a combination of The Committee for Health & Social Care, States of Alderney, and voluntary services.
Alderney Emergency Services
Alderney’s Accident & Emergency Department is on-site at the Mignot Memorial Hospital (MMH). It’s important to remember that any emergency medical treatment you receive will incur a charge.
Accident & Emergency Department Charges
The Alderney Ambulance & Rescue Service is provided by St Johns Ambulance, which operates the island’s only ambulance service. It operates 24 hours a day, providing accident and emergency cover and also provides a non-emergency patient transport service. There is no charge for this service.
Healthcare Insurance
Many residents choose to take out health insurance to ensure that they are covered for costs that fall beyond their health benefits. It’s a good idea to consider health insurance for the whole family, just to give you peace of mind that you’re covered for all eventualities.
Pharmacy
Alderney has one pharmacy, making access to prescription medication easy.
While you can easily obtain over-the-counter medication, you’ll need to see a doctor before the pharmacist can dispense prescription-only medicines.
The current charge for prescription medicines is currently capped at £4.90 per item and some residents are exempt from charges – health benefits can also reduce costs.
It’s worth bearing in mind that pharmacists can also offer useful advice about minor illnesses and health conditions alongside suitable medication or treatment.
Dental Practice
In Alderney, all dentistry care is provided on a private basis. There is one dental practice on the island:
Alderney Dental Practice
01481 823131
alderneydental@gmail.com
Some people choose to go to Guernsey for dental treatment:
Maternity Services in Alderney
Maternity services are provided by a visiting Midwife team from Guernsey.
Maternity Services in Alderney
Midwives aim to visit the Island Medical Centre every fortnight to provide care to pregnant women and newly delivered mothers and their babies. This service can sometimes be disrupted by weather or technical flight issues.
In addition to the routine fortnightly visits, the midwives also arrange further visits if required once a mother and baby returns to Alderney.
Where will I have my baby?
Due to the lack of qualified staff and emergency facilities for women in labour in Alderney all women are invited to have their baby in Guernsey. You can find more information about accommodation during your time in Guernsey 
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Your partner will be able to stay with you whilst you are in labour and, subject to room availability, will be welcome to stay on with you after you have delivered your baby.
Children’s Health in Alderney
There are several services available to help if you want to raise a family in Alderney.
Health visiting is a universal service offered to all families with preschool children. If you have a child, a Health Visitor will be assigned during the antenatal period or commence visiting a day or two after the midwife has discharged your baby. Health visitors offer developmental assessments for babies and young children at key points in their lives.
The School Health Service is committed to promoting and maintaining the health of school-age children. The School Nurses offer a vaccination programme to all school students with routine and catch-up vaccinations available.
Children resident in Alderney are entitled to health subsidies up to their 18th birthday. A visit to the GP for children costs £25, with a visit to the practice nurse costing £15.
The Children’s Dental Service provides a dedicated dental service for preschool and school-age children with particular needs. As of January 2022, all children under the age of 18 years are eligible for one free dental check-up each year with their private dentist.
Holistic Practitioners
Alderney has a thriving natural health community, reflected in its wide breadth of on-island specialists.
From osteopathy and reflexology to meditation and yoga, islanders have access to many alternative health practitioners, who often work collaboratively to create the best outcomes for their patients. Alderney also has some first-class physiotherapists and sports therapists.
Wellbeing & Holistic Services
Reciprocal Health Arrangement
As of 1st January 2023, Alderney has a Reciprocal Health Arrangement with the UK that allows necessary healthcare to be provided to Bailiwick residents visiting the UK and vice versa. Necessary healthcare refers to treatment that is urgent or cannot wait until the patient has returned home.
For further information about the Reciprocal Health Arrangement, please visit: