Healthwatch Isle of Wight Annual Report 2025/26
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 communities and finding new ways of listening to people’s stories.
In 2025/26 we had 51 articles published in the media, covering everything from a lack of NHS dentistry to the quality of care in care homes.
They were published in the following:
• IOW County Press
• On the Wight
• Isle of Wight Radio
• Island Echo
• BBC Radio Solent
• IOW Observer
Our Experts by Experience accompany the IOW Council quality team on their visits to care and nursing homes. They speak to people living at the home, their family, friends and visitors and speak to staff about their experiences of working at the home.
They also observe a mealtime, looking at how staff communicate with people, whether people are given a choice of food and are given a choice of where they can eat their meals.
A report of the visit is shared with the home and with the IOW Council contracts team, who can then ensure that our recommendations are met.
What difference did this make:
• Staff have been provided with medication refresher training.
• Redecoration of communal areas.
• Additional community activities organised.
• Additional staff rostered on during key times, to support people at the home.
• New thermostats installed in communal areas of the home.
Read the report
To find out more about what we have worked on this year please read the full report.
