Isle of Wight reportedly facing long wait times for health services
Isle of Wight watchdog says there's reports of long waits for GP appointments and concerns about accessing services
Reports of long waits for GP appointments and concerns about accessing dentistry and mental health services are front and centre in a new report from an Isle of Wight watchdog.
Feedback on Island health and social care services between January 13 and February 12 was 54 per cent negative (152 responses), three per cent mixed or neutral (eight) and 43 per cent positive (120), according to Healthwatch Isle of Wight.
GP and dentistry services were the most common feedback areas, each receiving mostly unfavourable reaction.
The report did however include overwhelmingly positive feedback for residential and nursing care homes.
One Islander told Healthwatch: “I had a dental abscess on a tooth that got worse very quickly. I was in a lot of pain and was quite worried that it was going to affect my breathing.
“I called 111 at 9am and was told they would ring me back in the next 12 hours. They called about eight hours later and said there were no available emergency dentist appointments available on the island.”
Another said: “Requested a telephone appointment as directed by (GP) online booking, waited by the phone at designated time, no call.
“20 mins after time got a non-reply text to say I hadn’t turned up for appointment (I booked a phone call not a face to face).”
A third praised Denbigh House dental practice in Ryde as “absolutely wonderful” and said all its staff are “amazing”.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: “The council is proud of the service it commissions from Healthwatch Isle of Wight and values the work that they do to support Island residents.
“The Healthwatch Isle of Wight quarterly intelligence report provides great insight into health and social care locally and forms part of the councils’ oversight of services. The themes and trends identified shape our services and those that are commissioned.”
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “We welcome feedback from Healthwatch Isle of Wight and value the role it plays in helping ensure the views of patients, families and carers are heard.
“We will consider the contents of the report as part of our ongoing work with partners as we continue to develop our Island services, including access to mental health support.”
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight has been approached for comment.