Concerns Raised Over Ambulance And Dental Services In Healthwatch Isle Of Wight Report

Concerns about potential changes to the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and access to dental care have been highlighted in a new report by Healthwatch Isle of Wight.

The watchdog’s Intelligence Report, covering feedback between 13 November and 12 December, shows that 51 per cent of responses were negative, 46 per cent positive, and three per cent mixed or neutral.

Ambulance and dental services were the two most frequently mentioned areas.

Feedback about the ambulance service was overwhelmingly negative, while comments relating to dentistry were mostly positive, though concerns were raised about access and treatment costs.

The report follows concerns raised in November by ambulance staff about proposed cost-cutting changes to rotas, which they warned could affect safety, damage morale and lead to staff leaving.

Healthwatch also flagged issues around the quality of mental health crisis services, while feedback on GP services showed a marked improvement compared with the previous reporting period.

One Island resident said the ambulance service needs more resources rather than fewer, while another raised concerns about patient dignity during an A&E visit.

In contrast, positive feedback was shared about GP services, including praise for rapid responses and same-day appointments at the Esplanade GP practice in Ryde.

Responding to the report, a spokesperson for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight thanked Healthwatch for highlighting local concerns and said GP practices and pharmacies are seeing more patients than ever.

They added that dental access is improving, with a new practice opening in Ryde, further contracts planned, and a mobile dental unit visiting communities across the Island, alongside urgent appointments available via NHS 111.

The spokesperson said more work is needed to ensure services remain sustainable while delivering high-quality care as part of the NHS’s 10-Year Health Plan.