Cancer Patients ‘Emotionally Drained’ By Mainland Treatment, Healthwatch Finds

Cancer patients travelling to the mainland for treatment say the experience is leaving them “emotionally drained”, according to a new report.

Healthwatch Isle of Wight has published its latest review of feedback about health and social care services on the Island.

It covers the period from June 13 to July 12, with almost 60 per cent of the 154 responses received described as negative.

Cancer services and GP practices were among the biggest areas of concern.

Healthwatch received almost 30 negative responses about cancer services, with some patients highlighting the difficulties of travelling to the mainland for treatment.

One person said:

“Travel (for cancer treatment) was stressful especially when appointments were outside Daisy bus times – bus took about an hour.

"It was terrible as I felt very, very ill, I wanted to give up, I had more than I could cope with.”

Another said travelling to the mainland while suffering from cancer-related fatigue was “exhausting”.

They told Healthwatch:

“This has been a disgrace for a long time.”

GP services also received largely negative feedback, including concerns about privacy and dignity at one Island practice.

Parents also reported a poor experience with children’s mental health services.

One resident described the service as “absolutely shocking”, claiming parents were not being listened to.

But it wasn't all negative.

Dentistry, pharmacy and A&E services were among those receiving mostly positive feedback.

One person praised Regent Pharmacy in Shanklin, saying:

“They are all amazing and always go above and beyond.”

The feedback has been collected through Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s community engagement programme.

People can share their experiences through events and community hubs, as well as social media, partner and voluntary organisations, post, telephone, online, face-to-face, text and email.

The NHS has been approached for comment.