Healthwatch Isle of Wight has released its latest intelligence report, highlighting key concerns raised by residents about healthcare and housing on the Island.
The report, covering feedback from 13th December 2024 to 12th January 2025, reveals that 56 per cent were positive (118), 35 per cent of responses were negative (74 people), nine per cent were neutral (18 people).
Concerns over housing and healthcare
One of the most pressing concerns is the quality and safety of temporary housing.
Residents have reported poor conditions, with some describing shared community facilities as “absolutely filthy” and a risk to children.
The cost and availability of dental care also remain a significant issue. Some residents have struggled to access affordable treatment, while others have been referred to mainland practices for expensive procedures that may not have been necessary.
A patient named Sarah was told she needed complex dental work costing several thousand pounds.
However, when she sought a second opinion from a different Isle of Wight dental practice, they advised her that she did not require the treatment and offered a cheaper alternative.
Long GP waiting times
Long waiting times at some GP practices have added to concerns about healthcare access.
One patient, Bob, was booked in for a blood test at his GP surgery.
When he arrived, he was told the test required fasting, but as he had eaten, his appointment was cancelled.
Public feedback on services
Healthwatch’s report details a mix of experiences across different healthcare services.
Some residents spoke highly of their treatment, particularly in chronic pain services.
One person described their experience, saying,
“Fabulous service, gives me faith and trust in them. They don’t have the answers or solutions, but they have been kind and compassionate throughout.”
Others shared frustrations about the lack of support after receiving a dementia diagnosis.
A resident said,
“My [relative] got a [dementia] diagnosis and then you’re abandoned to get on with it.”
GP services also received mixed reviews.
One patient praised East Cowes Medical Centre, stating,
“I’ve been with them years and they’ve always been brilliant to me and my family.”
Care homes and nursing services
Some care homes received positive feedback.
A resident whose relative is in Solent Grange Nursing Home described the facility as “amazing”.
The report also examines feedback on other healthcare services, including mental health support, ambulance response times, and social care provision.
Positive developments
Despite the concerns raised, the report also highlights encouraging news.
Carers IW has launched a book titled Save Dave, written and illustrated by carers on the Isle of Wight.
All profits from book sales will support unpaid carers on the Island.
The book is available at Brading Roman Villa, Carers IW, The Riverside Centre in Newport, and The Lifeboat pub in East Cowes.
Funding boost for mental health services
The Isorropia Foundation has secured over £1 million from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund.
The funding will allow the mental health and well-being service to purchase and redevelop the Medina Valley Centre in Newport.
In a statement, the organisation thanked those who had supported the project throughout the bidding process.
What happens next?
Healthwatch Isle of Wight will share its findings with local healthcare providers and commissioners.
The organisation aims to ensure that positive feedback is recognised while also pushing for improvements where services are falling short.
