Concerns Raised About Vaccines, GPs And Dentists On The Isle Of Wight

Do you have problems getting through to your GP surgery? Or booking a dentist appointment on the Isle of Wight? These are among the main concerns being raised by Islanders.

An Intelligence Report by Healthwatch Isle of Wight has revealed these were the “most common” issues being raised by Islanders.

The findings of the report, which is from December 21 to January 5, will be shared with local providers and commissioners to improve the experiences of Islanders.

It revealed some residents are concerned about when and where they will get their coronavirus vaccine. 

If you are having issues booking your vaccine appointment, the NHS is urging islanders to continue to check the slots online regularly.

Others say they are still trying to get their flu jab. As previously reported, the NHS said this year it is “more important than ever” to get the jab.

GPs on the Isle of Wight received the most negative feedback in the report, with people raising issues about getting through to them.

One Islander told Healthwatch Isle of Wight:

“I phoned the surgery today and was on hold for 35 minutes then cut off without speaking to anyone. Now trying again so far another 10 on hold and waiting. This is no way to treat patients”.

Healthwatch Isle of Wight says it has ‘highlighted’ the problems that people are having in accessing their GP practice, with the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The Isle of Wight CCG says GPs have been working 'above and beyond to roll out the [coronavirus] vaccination program' on the Isle of Wight and because of the pandemic and 'establishing a new way of working' people may not access services 'the way they used to'.

Meanwhile, concerns were raised about dentistry services on the Isle of Wight - which Healthwatch Isle of Wight has previously dubbed “the biggest health inequality for Islanders”.

It comes as it was revealed nationally people are having to wait two years to get a dentist appointment on the NHS - and are being advised to go privately instead.

Some Islanders say they are being advised to travel 170 miles off-Island for an appointment, which Healthwatch Isle of Wight says is not a “viable or realistic option”.

One Islander said the lack of dentistry services has “ruined” their life - another said their 9-year-old son is yet to see a dentist on the Island because they can’t get an appointment.

Overall, 68% of feedback was negative, 9% was neutral and 23% was positive.

Residential care homes on the Isle of Wight received the most positive feedback, one Islander told Healthwatch Isle of Wight:

“My (relative) had spent her final years in Old Charlton Care Home in Cowes. She absolutely loved her life there. She loved the staff and absolutely adored the view of the Solent she had from her window. I have nothing but gratitude for the love and support the home has provided.”

Manager for Healthwatch Isle of Wight, Joanna Smith told Isle of Wight Radio:

‘Due to the covid-19 pandemic, there have been many changes and challenges within the health and care sector and Healthwatch play an important role in ensuring the voice of the public is heard.

‘Although these are problems facing people across the country, we are working closely with Healthwatch England to ensure that the Department of Health hears the concerns of Isle of Wight residents. 

‘It’s more important now than ever, for people to share their experiences of services, whether positive or negative to ensure that local people have a say in how services are planned and delivered.’

Alison Smith, managing director of NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“We always welcome hearing feedback from Isle of Wight residents and we value the work Healthwatch Isle of Wight carries out to undertake these high level intelligence reports.

“Despite the sample size being relatively small compared to the Island population, these indicators always help give us a steer about peoples’ experiences with the health services.

“It is also important to put  the report into context. This survey was carried out during two of the busiest and exciting weeks in the history of the NHS.

“Our GP services on the island have been working above and beyond to rapidly roll out the covid-19 vaccination programme, which for the Island started in mid-December.

“They have been able to reorganise themselves in a matter of weeks to provide the safe and efficient delivery of this vaccination on top of continuing to provide regular primary care services, and this is no mean feat.

“Rolling out the biggest vaccination programme the NHS has undertaken right in the middle of winter, when all services see a huge increase in demand due to the colder weather, is a challenge our primary care colleagues have been able to meet and we are grateful for their incredible efforts.

“Of course we understand the rapid change in bringing in covid vaccination clinics and establishing a new way of working due to the pandemic has meant people haven’t always been able to access services in ways they may be used too.

“We continue to work with practices on the island to ensure patients have access to the advice, care and treatment they need.[sic]”

The Isle of Wight Council says it is working with Public Health England to address the issues raised by Islanders.

NHS England have been approached for a comment.

You can take part in the next Healthwatch Isle of Wight survey here.