Concerns about the Isle of Wight’s dentistry services still stand out in feedback on the Island’s health and social care services, a recent report has shown.
In an intelligence document for 13th August to 12th September 2024, Island watchdog Healthwatch Isle of Wight noted more than 60 responses amounted to negative feedback on dentistry services.
Islanders were also said to be “very concerned” about the possible closure of another NHS dental practice in the west of the Isle of Wight – though Freshwater’s MyDentist has now been saved with the help of another NHS provider.
“Whole family are unable to access NHS dentistry”
One Islander told Healthwatch,
“My whole family are unable to access NHS dentistry since we moved to the IW.
“I recently have had a series of three fillings but only had two as I can’t afford the third at the moment.”
“More dentists are needed on the IW”
Another said,
“More dentists are needed on the IW that accept NHS. I’ve been trying for several years now.
“I don’t have the money to even sign up to one on the mainland that takes NHS patients.
“It’s disgusting, I’ve not even been able to get on the list for the dental aid bus.”
GP services
The other most common area of feedback related to GP services, with over 20 negative responses received.
One GP practice patient told Healthwatch,
“Nothing went well. I went for a blood test that nobody had told me that I needed to fast for.”
Slightly more negative than positive feedback
Overall, 50 per cent of feedback on the Island’s health and social care services has been negative between 13th August and 12th September 2024, compared to three per cent which has been mixed or neutral and 47 per cent recorded as positive.
Other central points raised by Islanders included “positive feedback” in relation to staff and care at Mountbatten and long waits for “neurology assessments” and “support”.
A respondent whose relative was at the hospice said staff went “above and beyond” with their “love and care”.
Roach: We are committed to ensuring the best possible care for our communities
James Roach, director of primary care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said,
“Working with our partners, we are committed to ensuring the best possible care for our communities and ensuring access to the right NHS services is always available on the Isle of Wight.
“Over the last two years, GP appointments have risen, NHS dental access has improved and we have launched more collaborative ways of working with our community services.
“We have also put in place a range of innovative services in the community in partnership with our GPs.
“We recognise that while statistics show things are going in the right direction, patients don’t always feel these positive steps personally and there is more work to do.
“We continue to invest and ensure services feel supported and have enabled dental practices to remain open when at risk of closure, increased payments for dentists on the Island to make NHS work more appealing and ensured those with the greatest need can reach NHS dental care through a mobile dental unit.”
Article edit
2.10pm 9th Oct 2024 – Last two para of ICB comment added
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
