Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s October 13 to November 12 Intelligence Report on the Island’s health and social care services compiled feedback from residents which overall was 68 per cent negative (162 responses), 31 per cent positive (75) and one per cent mixed or neutral (3).
The two most common topics were GP services, with over 80 negative responses, and the mental health crisis service where more than 20 were negative.
Service areas given either a wholly or mostly positive reception included ophthalmology, optometry, care at home and residential care homes.
One Islander told Healthwatch: “Yesterday, after speaking to their mental health practitioner my relative was advised to take anti-depressants. He again tried to get a GP appointment to get a prescription and was given an appointment for December 4 (five weeks away).
“The biggest killer for men my relative’s age is suicide.”
“I’ve called the number for the out of hours Island mental health support between 5.30 and 7pm several times now and each day/time I’ve been met with an answerphone telling me to call 111,” another said.
A third said: “We have two children who…haven’t seen a dentist for 18 months due to the issues with (dental practice). We are scared to go there ourselves, let alone put our kids there.”
However, on a positive note, the watchdog heard: “The team at St Mary’s are excellent. We are so lucky to have such a skilled eye department on the Island.”
“I have nothing but praise for everyone who works in Old Charlton House, every aspect of care is exemplary,” Healthwatch heard in reference to the residential care home in Cowes.
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight has been approached for comment.