It’s that time of the year again when Healthwatch Isle of Wight are strongly urging Isle of Wight residents to complete their priority survey.
The survey consists of a list of the top 20 most common health or care themes that have been reported to Healthwatch Isle of Wight over the past 12 months, such as Assisted Living, Neurology Services and Occupational therapy and asks that people choose their top 5 priorities. The areas that receive the highest number of votes will become the next areas that Healthwatch Isle of Wight will begin to work on.
The 2016/17 survey received an incredible 87% increase in responses from the previous year and this year the organisation are hoping to double that figure. There are many changes and challenges within the health and care sector at the moment and Healthwatch play an important role in ensuring the public are not adversely affected.
In order to make sure Healthwatch are as effective as possible, it is vital that people continue to share their experiences and contribute to their surveys as it is this information they use to demonstrate the impact upon service users to commissioners and service providers.
As a result of last year’s survey Healthwatch Isle of Wight have published reports relating to care at home services, GP access, Quality of care in residential care and nursing homes and are in the process of finalising a report into A+E services. Children and Adults mental health were also chosen as priority areas last year and work in these areas is ongoing.
Joanna Smith, Healthwatch Isle of Wight Manager has said:
“This survey will ensure that the voices of the Isle of Wight people are heard. With the current financial and workforce challenges affecting both health and social care services, it is more important than ever that local people have a say in how services are delivered and improved”.
The survey is open now at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WTS66JS and will run until 30th April 2017.
Hard copy surveys are available from the Citizens Advice Bureau located at the Isle Help Advice Hub in Newport High Street.
Anyone who wishes to share their experiences (good or bad) of local health and/or care services can do so by ringing 01983 608608 or by emailing [email protected].
