News and reports

2018-2019 has been no less challenging than previous ones and for the same fundamental reasons of increasing demand and inadequate resources; physical and financial.

This visit was arranged as part of an ongoing mental health work plan. The visit was designed to
look at experiences of people who spend time as inpatients on local mental health wards
either voluntarily or under sections of the Mental Health Act.

In October 2017 Healthwatch Isle of Wight staff and volunteers visited ten dementia-focussed community groups across the Island, including all the Alzheimer cafes. People were informed of discussion sessions to be held and were invited to take part.

In 2017 the IW Clinical Commissioning Group asked Healthwatch Isle of Wight to carry out a survey and engage with the public to find out what local people want and need regarding primary care.

In 2016/17 cancer services were again identified by Healthwatch Isle of Wight as a topic for special attention. In mid-2017 people were invited to take part in a survey if they had used cancer services since January 2016.

This year Healthwatch Isle of Wight's 'Mate Crime' film was presented at the Royal College of Medicine Conference in November 2017 and has been viewed over 1000 times.

The topic of dentistry was supplementary to Healthwatch Isle of Wight's workplan for 2017, undertaken due to a consistently high volume of feedback relating to dentistry services.

Following the public consultation to determine Healthwatch Isle of Wight's workplan priorities, feedback received relating to the IW NHS Trust Accident and Emergency Department was analysed, four key themes were identified and a survey was undertaken

The Healthwatch Isle of Wight Enter and View panel undertook revisits to the hospital wards they previously visited in 2015. The IW NHS Trust had spent alot of time working on their complaints processes following the original visits.

Over 450 people have received information, advice or signposting from Healthwatch Isle of Wight in the past year.

Care at home became part of Healthwatch Isle of Wight's workplan for 2016/17 after a review of feedback received and a period of public engagement.

Over the past 18 months Healthwatch Isle of Wight has received increasing amounts of feedback relating to long waiting times and difficulties in accessing GP appointments.