Our thanks to Joe Smyth, Isle of Wight NHS Trust Chief Officer, for sharing with readers his reflection of the past year and hopes for 2025. Ed
As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that we’ve experienced both remarkable progress and significant challenges.
Our journey has been marked by stronger partnerships, innovative care programmes and service improvements that have greatly benefited the communities we serve.
Yet, it has also been a year of immense pressure for the NHS, our services and our dedicated staff.
Our staff have shown unwavering commitment, often in the face of increased demand, to provide the best possible care for patients. Their dedication deserves our heartfelt thanks.
Our partnership with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust has strengthened, forming a Group with a single Executive Team. This collaboration allows us to maximise resources, manage demand and improve care pathways.
Celebrating incredible achievements
We began the year on a high note, celebrating a series of incredible achievements that underscore our commitment to delivering excellent care for our patients and communities.
Among these, we proudly celebrated Louise Walker from our Ambulance Service, who was awarded the prestigious King’s Ambulance Service Medal for her distinguished service.
Our digital team led two groundbreaking projects that reached the finals of the HSJ Digital Awards, highlighting innovation in mental health services. Additionally, four of our Community Nurses were honoured with the title of Queen’s Nurse by The Queen’s Nursing Institute, a testament to their exceptional care.
New facilities
Significant investments in our facilities have also been a highlight. We opened a new Intensive Care Unit, Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre, and a specialised Children’s Emergency Department. Work continues into 2025 on our new Emergency Care floor to support our teams with the necessary tools and space to provide top-notch care.
These multi-million-pound investments are making a tangible difference, equipping us to deliver the highest quality care and support a healthier, more resilient community.
Our commitment to excellence remains steadfast
Looking ahead, we are excited to build on these achievements and continue working together for the well-being of our community. Despite facing increasing demand, with 145,500 outpatients, nearly 24,000 day cases, and over 40,000 ambulance responses, our commitment to excellence remains steadfast.
Reducing waiting times
This year we focused on reducing waiting times for people and were the first trust in the region to reduce waiting times below 65 weeks.
Our aim is that by the end of March 2025 no one will wait longer than 52 weeks for their treatment. This is a major step in our recovery from the pandemic.
Faster diagnostics
Reducing waiting times for cancer treatments remains a priority for 2025. We know that a diagnosis of cancer or even the prospect of being diagnosed can devastate people’s lives.
We are therefore committed to getting faster diagnoses and treatments to people in the coming year.
One of the top performing Ambulance Services
Our Ambulance Service continues to go from strength to strength. They remain one of the top performing services in England, providing 24/7 response to our community needs. The service is also responsible for the local NHS 111, which has received almost 100,000 calls this year.
Our partnership with South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has strengthened, providing more seamless urgent and emergency care.
‘Working Together, Improving Together’
We launched our new strategy, ‘Working Together, Improving Together’, setting our direction for the next five years. This, along with our new Clinical Strategy and Model, will guide us in delivering even better patient outcome.
In July, our Community, Mental Health, and Learning Disability services transitioned to the new Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. We worked hard to ensure a smooth transition and continue to work closely to provide seamless care.
Biggest challenges
Our biggest challenge over the year has been managing emergency admissions and discharges and coping with increased demand on an Island with an aging demographic. We are working closely with our health and care partners to develop new strategies that will help keep people at home, avoiding unnecessary visits to the hospital.
Our continued work with the Local Authority will help ensure a more streamlined discharges and allow people to return to independent living.
Compassion and commitment of staff
Thanks to the resilience and dedication of our staff, we continue to provide the best possible care. Their compassion and commitment make all the difference, ensuring we meet our patients’ needs, no matter the circumstances.
I would like to thank our community across the Island for your support. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
