Further Issues With St Mary's Hospital Car Park Ticket Machines Among Key Concerns Says Healthwatch

Further issues with car park ticket machines at St Mary’s Hospital, concerns about the loss of funding for Isle of Wight autism charity AIM, and long queues for pharmacy services are key health and social care issues facing Islanders.

In a turnaround from Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s February 13 to March 12 report, the watchdog’s latest findings show an increase in overall positive feedback to 48 per cent (210), compared to 45 per cent which is negative (196) and seven per cent recorded as mixed or neutral (31).

Healthwatch received over 30 negative responses relating to car parking at St Mary’s and local pharmacy services.

One resident told the watchdog they had queued for an hour “to collect medication” – described as “absolutely a nightmare”.

Another said:

“Please could it be noted that my (relative) and I have both been experiencing issues accessing prescribed, regular drugs with only partial prescriptions being issued and then significant delays to complete the prescription.

“Or it taking several days for a prescription to be prepared when the medication is needed more urgently.”

Islanders gave the most positive feedback to optometry, ophthalmology, autism and dentistry services.

Commenting on Island charity AIM (Autism Inclusion Matters), one resident said:

“AIM is irreplaceable – a lifeline for families like ours, my son, like many others, remains forgotten by the system.

“But AIM hasn’t forgotten him. AIM provides a safe space where he can engage with peers without judgment. It gives him joy, hope, and a vital connection to the world around him.”

A spokesperson for AIM said:

“AIM would like to thank Healthwatch for escalating the (funding) concern, and all of the individuals and families that continue to show their support.

"We remain committed to continuing to provide vital support, as an autistic led organisation that is by autistic people, for autistic people.”

The report’s two most common feedback topics were once again GP and dentistry services.

GP services were mostly given negative feedback while responses relating to dentistry were mainly positive.

An NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight spokesperson said:

“We would like to thank Healthwatch Isle of Wight for sharing this report, and for all they are doing to give local people on the Island a voice on these very important healthcare issues.

“March is one of the busiest months in the NHS and it is important that we are working together alongside our partners and NHS provider trusts to ensure the best possible care during this time.

“The past two years has seen NHS dental access improve, GP appointments have risen, and we have launched more collaborative ways of working with our community services.

“Dental practices are paid a higher rate to address some of the geographical challenges and there are plans to further increase access.

“GP appointments have seen record highs and while we understand that not every patient will experience these positive steps directly, we are continually striving to ensure the NHS is delivering the best care for everyone.”