News and reports

Looking for a pharmacy on the Isle of Wight?
Not sure where they are located, what times they are open or how to contact them?

Six local care and nursing homes on the Isle of Wight have been visited by the Healthwatch Isle of Wight Enter and View panel.

New accessibility report unveils crucial findings and recommendations for improved Health and Social Care communication

Today, August 1, the British Medical Association announced the results of a ballot of members of it’s GP Committee, showing that the majority are in favour of taking ‘collective action’ in protest at the limited increase in funding for the 2024/5 contract for GP services in England.

This year we have been working hard to hear from as many people as possible
by using inclusive methods of engagement, sharing information with local
people and finding new ways of listening to people’s stories.

Every year we ask people on the Isle of Wight to complete our prioritisation survey, the top three services/topics chosen by the public then become our priorities for the forthcoming year.
This way, we can ensure that we are focusing on the issues that really matter to local people.

Public health and care champion Healthwatch Isle of Wight has a new name at the helm after eight years of dedicated service draws to a close for its former chairman.

Bob Pitts, currently a Non-Executive Director at Healthwatch Isle of Wight has taken over the role of chairman from Chris Orchin who has held the post since 2015.

The last year has been difficult for everyone, including the providers of health and social care services, as the process of recovery after COVID developed.

Every year we ask people on the Isle of Wight to complete our prioritisation survey, the top three services/topics chosen by the public then become our priorities for the forthcoming year.

Do you look after a family member, friend or friend who needs extra help due to an illness, frailty, disability, or mental health issue?
If the answer is yes, you may be considered an unpaid carer.

If your GP knows you are a carer they can provide you with support, advice & information.
You are also entitled to a free flu jab.

Psease see the toolkit below for information you may find useful as an unpaid carer.

This morning (Monday 22nd May 2023) Healthwatch Isle of Wight contacted the IOW NHS Trust following concerns raised by people about the future of Wellow ward.

We were told that the ward will not be closing, it will be moved temporarily to another area of the hospital, but the same number of beds will be provided for people needing end of life care. There will still be a separate room available for family members to use.

The services provided by staff on the ward are recognised and valued by the Trust and they will be announcing the new home for Wellow ward within St Mary hospital, within the coming weeks.

We will be working closely with the Trust on this and will share any updates as and when we receive them.

The Lloyds pharmacy located in the Sainsbury supermarket in Newport is closing.
Originally the closure was planned for the 25th July 2023. However, this has changed and the new closure date is 13th June 2023.
Please remember to make alternative provisions for any prescriptions you may need in plenty of time.