Concerns about the loss of funding for the Isle of Wight autism charity AIM and long queues for pharmacy services are key health and social care issues facing Islanders.
In a turnaround from Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s February-March report, the watchdog’s latest findings show an increase in overall positive feedback to 48% cent (210), compared to 45% which is negative (196) and 7% recorded as mixed or neutral (31).
Healthwatch received over 30 negative responses relating to car parking at St Mary’s and local pharmacy services.
One resident told the watchdog they had queued for an hour to collect medication – described as ‘absolutely a nightmare’.
Another said:
“Please could it be noted that my (relative) and I have both been experiencing issues accessing prescribed, regular drugs with only partial prescriptions being issued and then significant delays to complete the prescription.
“Or it taking several days for a prescription to be prepared when the medication is needed more urgently.”
Islanders gave the most positive feedback to optometry, ophthalmology, autism and dentistry services.
Commenting on Island charity AIM (Autism Inclusion Matters), one resident said:
“AIM is irreplaceable – a lifeline for families like ours, my son, like many others, remains forgotten by the system.
“But AIM hasn’t forgotten him. AIM provides a safe space where he can engage with peers without judgment. It gives him joy, hope, and a vital connection to the world around him.”
The report’s 2 most common feedback topics were once again GP and dentistry services.
GP services were mostly given negative feedback while responses relating to dentistry were mainly positive.
An NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight spokesperson said:
“We would like to thank Healthwatch Isle of Wight for sharing this report, and for all they are doing to give local people on the Island a voice on these very important healthcare issues.
“March is one of the busiest months in the NHS and it is important that we are working together alongside our partners and NHS provider trusts to ensure the best possible care during this time.
“The past two years has seen NHS dental access improve, GP appointments have risen, and we have launched more collaborative ways of working with our community services.
“Dental practices are paid a higher rate to address some of the geographical challenges and there are plans to further increase access.
“GP appointments have seen record highs and while we understand that not every patient will experience these positive steps directly, we are continually striving to ensure the NHS is delivering the best care for everyone.”
No mention of the extended wait for diagnostic imaging at the all singing and dancing new unit at St Marys.
10 weeks and still waiting for an Echocardiogram which my GP put through as urgent and the imaging centre bumped it down to “routine”..
The Numpty’s are probably off on full
sick pay.
Labour Britain 2025
This Government have made more cuts than a
pair or Turkish barbers scissors
Lol
In my experience, it is always best not to emit any breath of scandal until one has one’s facts. The fact is that there is clear evidence that waiting lists are reducing. But you cannot reverse 14 years of Conservative defunding and mismanagement overnight. But the Labour Government has at least made a good start.
Not to the NHS. They invested 22.6 billion in day to day health care in the last budget. Unfortunately, 14 years of Tory so-called ‘austerity’ left a lot to put right.
Pharmacy queues will only get longer unless their outdated NHS contract is sorted as a matter of urgency.
The two surviving Pharmacies in Newport are now doing the work of four after Lloyd’s & Sainsbury’s pulled out as there was insufficient funding to make it worthwhile.
On top of that people are having to be owed medication because UK wholesale stocks are at an all time low. Don’t blame the Pharmacies, it is a failure of the Government to grasp the enormity of the problem and to put funding in place to ensure the survival of the Pharmacies which are struggling on as best they can.
Don’t complain to the Pharmacy staff – lobby your MPs. and the Health Minister.
Labour Britain 2025
It is well documented that supply chains were destroyed by Brexit and additional customs controls are adding to the problem: another brilliant “Brexit Benefit”.
The reason the que is getting so bad at the pharmacy’s is that you can’t get a Dr’s appointment and the government are telling you to go and see your pharmacy.