By Isle of Wight Observer
Isle of Wight Reform Party candidates are calling for the Island’s NHS to “get our £10 million back”.
In 2019 the Island’s NHS Trust was awarded £48 million to improve healthcare for Islanders, more than 20 percent of it, £10 million, went to build two new wards at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, providing 72 new beds. It was claimed this would “ensure greater resilience for the Island population” when treated on the mainland. However, evidence uncovered by the IW Observer using the Freedom of Information Act, revealed the beds are used for Islanders less than 3 percent of the time.
Last week NHS Hampshire started a consultation on how to spend between £700 and £900 million, the day after St Mary’s Hospital declared a Critical Incident, meaning Islanders should only attend hospital for life-threatening emergencies.
Sarah Morris (IW East) and Ian Pickering (IW West) are calling for the £10 million handed over in 2019 to be repaid and used on the Island. Sarah said: “£10 million could fund the extra beds and staff needed to ease the strain on our ever-struggling hospital. If you would like your name added to our campaign get in touch – our voices are loudest together.”
Ian added: “Bob Seely MP never spoke out against this money going to the mainland – indeed he supported it. We have asked him whether he will support our campaign to get this money back to treat Islanders – as it was intended.”
You can contact Sarah at isleofwighteast@reformuk.com or 07435 122180 and Ian at isleofwightwest@reformuk.com or 07553 011606.
The Reform Party has said it will stand candidates in every seat in the next general election, claiming that reform is needed in the way Britain is run so that it works properly for the people.
Mal Butler