Access To GP And NHS Dentistry Services Still Key Issues For Islanders - Health Watchdog

Access to GP services and NHS dentistry remain key issues for Islanders and feedback on Isle of Wight health and social care services is still overwhelmingly negative.

Those are among the stark findings compiled in Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s Intelligence Report for June 13 to July 12 – a document which also highlighted continuing concerns about potential cuts to hospice charity, Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

In addition, the watchdog pointed to people ‘reporting long waits for neurology appointments’.

Its overall feedback was 74 per cent negative (199 responses), one per cent mixed or neutral (three) and 25 per cent positive (68).

According to the latest report, one resident told the watchdog:

“My beloved (relative) died at the hospice following a brutal cancer diagnosis. He experienced horrific pain for months.

“It was only when Mountbatten, and their palliative care expertise, were involved that his pain was finally managed. The NHS did their best, but the difference in care was like night and day.”

Another said:

“Can never really get a GP appointment – always difficult even when the doctor has asked for one. Long wait for referral appointments.”

Responses gathered by Healthwatch in its previous May 13 to June 12 report were 71 per cent negative (259), two per cent mixed or neutral (seven) and 27 per cent positive (101).

NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight Council have been approached for comment.