Dr Sarah Wollaston appointed to lead Jersey assisted-dying oversight

Dr Sarah Wollaston, a former UK Member of Parliament and physician, has been appointed to chair Jersey’s new Assisted Dying Assurance and Delivery Committee. The appointment follows the States Assembly's decision to legalise assisted dying and the subsequent receipt of Royal Assent for the legislation.

Dr Wollaston brings 24 years of medical experience in hospital and primary care, along with previous leadership roles such as chairing the House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee and NHS Devon. Her new role involves overseeing the implementation of the law to ensure the service is compassionate, lawful, and safe.

The committee is legally required to provide independent assurance to the Health Minister regarding the quality and safety of the service. It will consist of seven to 15 members, including representatives from palliative care services and patients or their relatives. Recruitment for the remaining committee members is expected to begin in the coming months.