GP surgeries on the Isle of Wight have been criticised for ‘a lack of communication’ with patients during the height of the pandemic.
In a report from Healthwatch Isle of Wight (HIW), which looks back on the past year Island health services have faced coronavirus, the watchdog found a dependence on digital platforms cut off some of the most vulnerable as they had no access to the internet.
Following the sudden increase in Covid cases, GP surgeries across the Island initially stopped face-to-face appointments — which are still not readily available, coupled with a ‘heavy reliance’ on digital methods of communication.
Instead, they were replaced with eConsult, an online platform where patients can describe their symptoms and receive a response within 48 hours.
This changed the way patients interacted with their doctors but was met with mixed reactions.
In the HIW report, one patient said: “I just filled out the e-consultation form and got a phone call, I didn’t need to make an appointment, it was great”
Whereas another said: “It is getting ridiculous. Other forms of medical people are seeing us face-to-face, just not my surgery.”
Joanna Smith, HIW manager said: “As GP practises were required to change their operating procedures, a lack of communication with the public meant that many people were simply unable to access the health care services they needed.”
Different surgeries also offered different services and paired with the ‘digital exclusion’ of some, Healthwatch said ”painted a picture of healthy inequality – a sad indictment for a small island”.
Healthwatch has found there is still confusion over the services which have been reduced and a ‘seeming imbalance’ of offerings across the Island.
Going forward, HIW says the online platforms have their place helping surgeries but need to be used in conjunction with normal surgery operations.
The health and social care body has started to look at access to GP services and good practices developed by primary care teams but also at the problems faced by people who have had problems getting an appointment.
Between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, HIW received more than 1,400 pieces of feedback directly linked to Covid — with 657 about GPs and 524 about dentistry alone.
Mental health is another area HIW will be keeping an eye on, as the watchdog expects to see an increase in the number of people asking for health as it has been the ‘unseen victim’ of the pandemic. Joanna said steps must be taken now to ensure the tools and support are in place for when those services are needed.
Over the past 18 months, Joanna said they had listened to the issues that really affected local people, which had never been more important.
She said: “While the pandemic continues to be far from over, there are lessons we can already learn from the last year and experiences that have shaped us both individually and as a community.”
One thing that has become abundantly clear over the last year, Joanna said, was that as a community the Island is an amazing place to be.
She said: “The swift way in which every corner of trade, public service and office came together for one greater good of protecting the vulnerable has been awe-inspiring.
“We hope the IW Council and health services continue to work with voluntary sector services and the public to maintain the community spirit which has seen us through such an extraordinary time.”
You can read the Healthwatch IW report here: healthwatchisleofwight.co.uk/report/2021-08-02/covid-19-one-year-report
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
