Healthwatch Isle of Wight has released its latest intelligence report, covering feedback from 13th July to 12th August 2025.
During this period, 61 per cent (181 people) of feedback was negative, one per cent (2 people) was mixed or neutral, and 38 per cent (112 people) was positive.
GP access remains a major issue
Access to GP services continues to be the most common concern raised. Patients report long waits for appointments and difficulties in getting treatment.
Tina, who has multiple health conditions, said she has gone through five appointments with nurse practitioners to access antibiotics. She explained that she feels anxious about the delays and worries that if she needs urgent treatment, she may not get help quickly enough to avoid serious illness.
One patient added,
“GPs. Very rarely discuss more than one complaint at each appointment. But most of all the medical professionals don’t talk to each other. It would help if one professional could see what the other is doing!!”
Cancer transport and mental health
Cancer patients raised concerns about the future of the Daisy Bus in Southampton. One person explained,
“I am very concerned about the withdrawal of the Southampton Daisy bus. Going to the mainland from the Isle of Wight for treatment is hard enough but the added stress of catching additional buses, many of whom are full to capacity, seriously impacts on both mental and physical health.”
This service has since been saved for closure following a community-led campaign.
Long wait for mental health support
Parents also reported worry about long waiting lists and difficulties in accessing mental health support for children.
One parent said,
“Just had to ask to be referred to Southampton CAMHS, as over here is not fit for purpose.”
Other health and care challenges
Residents also spoke about problems with dentistry. One person said,
“Accessing home care dentistry is impossible. I’ve had an abscess for (many years) and I was referred to the Community Dental Services years ago, but they’re only able to do a general check up at home.”
Others raised frustrations with referrals and follow-ups, with one patient explaining,
“Have had various referrals for my lower back pain, but no follow ups and no real help.”
Positive experiences shared
Despite many challenges, residents also gave positive feedback. One patient described their experience at Lighthouse Medical, saying,
“Very caring and human, professional staff.
“Made to feel at ease from the first introduction.”
Healthwatch reported that their engagement programme continues across the Island, with people sharing experiences by telephone, social media, post, email, and through community events.
Positive local developments
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service announced that it is the first in the UK to have 100 per cent of its registered defibrillators confirmed as emergency ready.
Staff, volunteers, and community support have ensured that all 569 devices were checked within the past three months.
Good practice in learning disability homes
Healthwatch completed a series of visits to residential care homes for people with learning disabilities earlier this year.
The visits found positive relationships between staff and residents, and strong links with community activities and services.
Full reports are available on the Healthwatch Isle of Wight website.
