This in from the IW NHS, in their own words. Ed
Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has stepped up the campaign to reduce the number of Islanders waiting for more than 18 weeks for NHS treatment for non-urgent General Surgery, Urology and Orthopaedics.
The CCG, who is responsible for planning and buying NHS services for Island residents, is working with GPs to smooth the way for Islanders to access treatment at mainland hospitals.
Patients asked to consider mainland hospitals
From the middle of November, patients requiring non-urgent General, Urological and Orthopaedic Surgery will be offered a choice of mainland hospitals by their GP so that they can get treatment within the target 18-week referral to treatment time (RTT) as set out in the national NHS Constitution.
It is recognised that many Island patients would prefer to be treated on the Island, however there are now more than 600 patients who have been waiting longer than 18 weeks for their treatment at the IOW NHS Trust and more than 2,500 on the waiting list.
Helen Shields, CCG Chief Officer said,
“More and more patients are choosing mainland hospitals for their care, and to date the feedback has been encouraging. During the past few months GPs have already referred more than 100 patients to the independent sector hospitals in Southampton and Portsmouth. In addition, the CCG has worked with the Isle of Wight NHS Trust to transfer a further 100 patients from their waiting list to these hospitals with more than 80% to date having completed their surgery on the mainland.”
Travel costs for ferry fares and travel to and from the ferry terminal to Southampton NHS Treatment Centre (operated by Care UK), and the Spire Hospitals in Southampton and Portsmouth will be reimbursed by the hospitals. Patients are also able to choose from a range of other mainland hospitals if they have an alternative preference, for example they may have a relative who lives near a particular hospital.
Support service
The CCG is providing a referral support service to assist patients and GPs with any issues or questions they may have about getting treatment in mainland hospitals for General Surgery, Urology and Orthopaedics.
The number to ring is: 01983-534027, between the hours 9-16:30, Monday to Friday.
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Auntie P
