Healthwatch Isle of Wight received 437 pieces of feedback between 13th March and 12th April 2025.
Of that feedback, 48 per cent (210) was positive, 45 per cent (196 people) was negative and seven per cent (31) was mixed or neutral.
Dentistry and GP services top of the list of concerns
Residents shared more feedback about dentistry and GP services than any other area of care.
One person explained how NHS dentists often move to private practice, leaving them with limited options. They said, “I couldn’t, and definitely can’t now, find an extra £19 a month,” after being told to pay £19 per month for two check-ups.
Others highlighted the long waits for GP appointments and prescription delays. One person said they waited six weeks to see a pharmacy assistant, after being told by the hospital to get a medication review.
Pharmacies under pressure
Several people described queuing for up to an hour at local pharmacies. One person said, “Absolutely a nightmare.”
Another said they received only part of their prescription and then waited several days to collect the rest.
A separate concern came from a patient told there were no sharps boxes available on the Island. They reported being advised to “use a jam jar” instead.
Loss of AIM funding worries families
A number of Islanders raised the alarm about the future of AIM (Autism Inclusion Matters), which has lost funding.
One parent said, “AIM is irreplaceable – a lifeline for families like ours.” They added that AIM gave their son “joy, hope, and a vital connection to the world around him”.
Healthwatch has escalated concerns about AIM to relevant authorities.
Car parking still causing frustration
Issues with the car park ticket machines at St Mary’s Hospital continue to cause frustration.
People say the machines remain unreliable, and some shared negative experiences linked to this during their hospital visits.
Healthwatch in the community
During the reporting period, Healthwatch staff visited both a residential care home and a nursing home to listen to residents’ experiences.
They also visited the ENT department at St Mary’s and gave a presentation to the Southampton Academy of Research Spring School.
Healthwatch provides a telephone advice line and continues to engage with communities via social media, partner organisations and face-to-face events.
New survey results shape future priorities
This year’s annual Prioritisation Survey received 401 responses.
From this, Healthwatch has identified three top focus areas for the next 18 months: dentistry, GP services and mental health.
The team will use this feedback to inform their work and continue encouraging residents to share their views.
Carers and dementia services highlighted for positive work
Amidst the concerns, several positive developments stood out.
The Alzheimer Cafe Isle of Wight won the Dementia Care category at the Markel Third Sector Care Awards. The group opened the Parklands Dementia Resource Centre in Cowes—the first dementia hub on the Island—offering daily support to those affected.
How to get involved
Healthwatch encourages anyone with feedback—positive or negative—on local health and care services to get in touch.
You can contact them via the website or call (01983) 608 608.
