Travel to the Mainland for treatment leaving cancer patients ‘emotionally drained’, privacy and dignity issues at an Isle of Wight GP practice and parents reporting a poor experience at children’s mental health services.
These were among the key issues and themes identified in Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s Intelligence Report on the Island’s health and social care services for 13th June to 12th July 2026.
What the report found
Nearly 60 per cent of feedback was negative (87 responses), compared to 38 per cent which was positive (59) and five per cent that was mixed or neutral (8).
The two most common feedback topics were cancer services, with almost 30 negative responses, and GP services which were given a largely negative reception.
Areas receiving mostly praise included dentistry, pharmacy and A&E services.
Cancer patients speak out
One respondent said,
“Travel (for cancer treatment) was stressful especially when appointments were outside Daisy bus times – bus took about an hour.
“It was terrible as I felt very, very ill, I wanted to give up, I had more than I could cope with.”
Another said cancer patients suffering from fatigue and having to travel to the Mainland for treatment is ‘exhausting’. They told Healthwatch,
“This has been a disgrace for a long time.”
Concerns over children’s mental health
On children’s mental health provision, a third resident spoke of an ‘absolutely shocking service’ and parents not being listened to.
Praise for pharmacy and dentistry
But in reference to Regent Pharmacy in Shanklin, the watchdog was told,
“They are all amazing and always go above and beyond.”
How Healthwatch gathers feedback
Healthwatch’s findings come from its community engagement programme, which includes attendance at local events and hubs, and people are also able to share their experiences via social media, through partner or voluntary organisations, by post, telephone, online, face to face, text or email.
The NHS has been approached for comment.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
