An "increase in demand" has left some Islanders struggling to get an appointment at their GP surgery - with one person revealing they tried 110 times to get through on the phone.
The Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says it understands frustrations and is "doing its best".
It comes after one Islander told Isle of Wight Radio how she is "beyond furious".
It was claimed this person tried, and failed, to get an appointment at East Cowes Medical Centre for three days.
"I'm surprised my phone is not currently embedded in the TV screen. I was loathe to call 111 but I have a child in pain and, despite being told by a doctor's receptionist that it's not a medical emergency, I can't see I have any other choice. Am I just supposed to let my child suffer indefinitely? Apparently, they are trying to sort out more clinics, but how long is that doing to take?
"In the meantime, how many people are suffering and how many serious medical problems are being missed? This is not a new issue, either. This has been going on for months, maybe even years. It can't be allowed to continue. People's health is too important an issue to be ignored."
The Isle of Wight CCG says its surgeries speak to around 4,000 people on the phone each week.
It says coronavirus has led to longer waiting times - and is encouraging Islanders to use a different method of contact.
Dr Michele Legg, GP and chair of the NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
"We know some people are experiencing difficulties in getting through to their GP practice over the phone. We are, and have been, seeing an increase in the number of people calling at certain points in the day, which unfortunately is leading to longer wait times.
“We know this can be hugely frustrating and is not ideal for patients, or for our staff, who are doing their best to get to as many people as possible.
“On average, each week across the island, we speak to around 4,000 people over the phone. But this is not the only way we are talking to patients – on average we respond to around 800 e-Consult enquiries, carry out 6,000 face-to-face appointments and hold around 100 video consultations each week.
“We would encourage people to use e-Consult to contact their practice in the first instance as you can share details of the reason you are getting in touch and then the most appropriate person can respond to you to help.
“Of course we know that online isn’t the best option for everyone, and if you do need to call us, then we recommend you try calling your practice after 2pm.
“We are working with our practices to explore how we can further build in support to respond to calls.”
E-Consult can be found on your surgery's website.
Councillor Coy On Isle Of Wight Social Housing
Warning For Islanders Selling Vehicles To Be 'Scam Aware'
Bus Fares Set To Rise Following Council Meeting
Small Business Support Proposal Passed By Isle Of Wight Council
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Plan Unanimously Approved
More Islanders Cross The Solent With Wightlink’s Discounted Fares For NHS Appointments
Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance Funds Defibrillators For The Community
Isle Of Wight Council Budget Pressures Likely To Continue Following Autumn Statement
Council Approves Support Package To Help Islanders On Low Incomes
Isle Of Wight Councillor In Mental Health Priority Motion
Bird Keepers Urged To Remain Vigilant Following Increased Avian Influenza Risk
Island Pupils Receive Lesson In Road Safety That Could Save Lives
New Shanklin Flats Given Green Light
Joe Robertson Appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary For Shadow Culture, Media And Sport
Shanklin Company Making Nuclear Waste Sorting Safer, Greener And Cheaper
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Landscape Plan Decision On Horizon
Help Sought For Isle Of Wight's Struggling Small Businesses
Primary School Admissions For September 2025 Now Open
Island Families Invited To Take Tour Of St Mary's Special Care Baby Unit
Work To Sink Three Boreholes At Leeson Road Due To Finish This Week
