A&E Waiting Times And Dental Cancellations Among Island Health Concerns

Long waits in A&E, uncomfortable seating and cancelled dental appointments are among the concerns raised in a new report by Healthwatch Isle of Wight.

The health watchdog received 177 pieces of feedback between August 13 and September 12, with 61 per cent negative, five per cent mixed or neutral and 34 per cent positive.

GP services and dentistry attracted the most negative comments, with people also reporting long waits for routine GP appointments and concerns about gynaecology care.

One patient described spending 12 hours overnight in A&E on a hard chair because no beds or trolleys were available, although they praised staff for their kindness.

Another reported being offered a blood test appointment at their GP surgery in December.

However, positive feedback included praise for the ambulance service, dermatology, palliative care and residential and nursing homes.

One patient also commended staff at Day Lewis pharmacy in Cowes.

James Roach, director for neighbourhood health at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said the feedback highlighted concerns around access, waiting times and continuity of care.

He said improving access to GP appointments remained a priority, adding that there had been recent improvements in timely access across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.