Healthwatch Isle of Wight has highlighted access issues relating to Jhoots pharmacies, community mental health and online GP services in its September-October findings.
Overall feedback from residents was 57% negative (160 responses), 2% mixed or neutral (4) and 41% positive (116). The 2 most common topics raised with Healthwatch were GP services and pharmacies.
One Islander said:
“I am trying to get (medication). Apparently Jhoots in Sandown are closed permanently, which is why they have not responded to my voicemail messages over the past two days.
“If I could go to any pharmacies in the area and request this it would be ideal, but they just refer me back to the GP although I am on a batch. I am considering stopping medication as this is becoming so stressful to obtain.”
Another Islander commented:
“Several times I’ve called the (mental health) crisis team inside their hours to be met with a call 111 message. Tonight, it was over an hour before they say they close.”
A spokesperson for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight 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.
“Our GPs and pharmacies are seeing more patients than ever, and we now have multi-professional teams working in GP practices to provide specialist care for those who need it.
“Dental access continues to improve with significant further increases planned for 2026 as we continually strive to ensure the NHS is delivering the best care for everyone in the most sustainable way as part of our work towards delivering the Ten Year Health Plan, so the NHS is fit for the future.”
stop importing people to the island, stop building houses and this will then reduce demand on these services, which will make the more accessible for those already living here
Stop fabricating a problem which isn’t here, and start concentration on the ones that are. Net population decreased by 91 people in the latest available figures, the ones already here are getting older and sicker, increasing demand. Make up your mind what you want, then instead of shouting from the sidelines work out that those who will be needing houses (kids of families already here) if not built will move away, compounding the elderly ill problem. THEN shout for more NHS resources.
Have these people tried living healthier?
You couldn’t get any healthier than I was….sometimes genetics and age catches up with us.
Why are you using a pseudonym that is already in use?
The island needs more people, build a
Bridge or Tunnel and move them over.
There is plenty of room on the island for
more people, spread the love.
Quote, Our GPS and pharmacies are seeing more people than ever.
Well, that will be a result of there being more people on the Island than ever before then eh?
Telephone appointments have come on the scene much more since Covid and are probably included in the “seeing” more people figure.
By the way, who are Healthwatch Isle of Wight? From the article is seems they are not part of the NHS
It’s an independent, statutory organisation that represent the needs of people who use services, so the already stretched NHS don’t have to spend time and energy collating the data.
And no, they are seeing more people because as they age the requirement for more appointments becomes necessary. I didn’t need to see a doctor for 10 years….until I did and now need regular appointments, multiple hospital visits etc.
If someone has called the Mental Health Crisis team ‘within their hours’ & been met with an answerphone. That is a disgrace.
To have called ‘several times’ & heard the same message is unacceptable.
I used to work in mental health. Ten years ago I was looking after a psychotic patient in the community where the ‘back up’ was the crisis team….no one available over the weekend, try to manage until Monday. THEN instantly Sectioned. Anything can happen in that gap between need and admission. A crisis is a crisis and should be 24hrs..