1. News -

    The rising cost of living is an issue that is likely to dominate the national policy debates for the next 18 months. We want to help decision-makers understand the impact on people's physical and mental health. We know that rising costs have a direct effect on people's wellbeing and would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this.
  2. News -

    The health and social care landscape has changed a lot in ten years, but thanks to you taking the time to share your story with Healthwatch Isle of Wight, we've been able to champion your voice to help improve care.
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  4. Report -

    Like many organisations, general practice needed to adapt quickly as our country went into lockdown and respond to new ways of working such as offering video and telephone consultations. Some people have told us that these new ways of accessing GP services have
    worked well for them, allowing them to save time and get the help they need, quickly. But for others it’s been more difficult, time consuming and frustrating trying to access support when they need it.
  5. Advice and Information -

    If you need to travel from the Isle of Wight to the mainland for an NHS-funded hospital appointment, you can get 50% off your ferry crossing with Wightlink.

    Call 0333 999 7333 to book, quoting 'Wightlink healthcare discount'.

    Full information and terms and conditions are available at www.wightlink.co.uk/nhsappointments
  6. News -

    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.
  7. Response -

    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.
  8. Advice and Information -

    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.
  9. Report -

    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.
  10. Report -

    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.
  11. Page -

    Travelling to and from medical appointments, both on and off Island can be stressful and costly. Below are a few schemes available that may be of help.
  12. News -

    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.
  13. Advice and Information -

    The Easter bank holiday is fast approaching. Please see below for the pharmacy opening times during this period.
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  16. Page -

    Find out about our role, our plans and our people.
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  18. Advice and Information -

    A year ago the Accessible Information Standard came into force. It requires any organisation providing NHS or social care to communicate in a way that everybody can understand. Here's a reminder of what you should expect.
  19. Advice and Information -

    We know from our conversations with the public that some patients report feeling rushed during appointments and struggling to make themselves heard. Here are some tips that could help you get the most out of visiting your GP.
  20. Advice and Information -

    The number of people being cared for in their own homes is increasing but what should you expect from home care services?
  21. Advice and Information -

    Everyone should be able to access good quality NHS dental services. Take a look at our top tips to help you get the most out of your next dental appointment.
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  23. Page -

    These terms and conditions tell you how this Healthwatch website is managed and how you are protected when you are using our site.If you do not agree with these terms, you should leave the site immediately.
  24. Page -

    We want to make sure that everyone is able to access the information we provide and communicate with us in ways that meet their individual needs.
  25. Page -

    Take a look at our upcoming events or check out our selection of health and care awareness events you can support.
  26. Page -

    Find out about more about how we can help you access the support you need to live well.
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    We use cookies on our website to make your experience as easy and simple as possible.
  29. Page -

    This Privacy statements sets out the data processing practices carried out by Healthwatch Isle of Wight. We retain and use personal data (information that relates to and identifies living people) to help us carry out our role as the local independent champion for people who use health and social care services.