By Isle of Wight Observer
The latest Healthwatch IW intelligence report, covering May 13 to June 12, reveals rising public anxiety over cuts to Mountbatten funding and continuing issues in accessing GP services. Of 367 items of feedback, 71 per cent were negative – a sobering snapshot of health and care challenges across the Island.
Mountbatten’s future has provoked significant alarm, prompting Healthwatch to announce a separate report on the hospice’s funding situation. Meanwhile, GP access continues to frustrate Islanders. Some surgeries still prevent advance booking, forcing patients into long telephone queues. Others report confusion at consultations – one resident was summoned to their GP without explanation, only to be met with “What can I help you with?”
Orthopaedic waits were another concern raised. One Islander has been waiting two years for knee surgery with no indication of when it might happen.
The report also highlights cases of delay within memory services and pain management clinics. In one instance, a family waited five months for a memory assessment report, which did not arrive until it was chased up.
However, Healthwatch noted several instances of compassionate care – particularly at IW NHS Trust inpatient services – where staff were described as “caring, respectful and reassuring.” There was also only positive feedback on nursing homes and care homes.
Community engagement remains central to Healthwatch’s work, with feedback gathered through events, partners, and on-line. A series of new surveys is planned to ensure services reflect local priorities.
Last month it was announced that Healthwatch, along with 200 other organisations, is to be scrapped as part of Labour’s 10-year health strategy. Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, said the current system is too complex and the NHS needs “more doers and fewer checkers.”
