Islanders not being able to book a smear test via their GP - and continuing concerns about dentistry services - are among the most recent issues being raised on the Isle of Wight.
Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s survey from February 7 to 22 has 6% negative feedback, compared to last month’s survey, which had 68% negative feedback.
As exclusively reported by Isle of Wight Radio, among the main concerns raised previously were questions surrounding vaccines, getting an appointment with your GP and dentistry concerns.
The results led to the MP for the Isle of Wight Bob Seely taking direct action - who says he has written to the Health Secretary to raise Islander’s concerns, as previously reported.
Responding to the most recent survey, one Islander said:
“My teeth are loose and I need to see a dentist. I’ve spent hours researching dentists in my area and used the NHS dental clinic finder and it seems like almost all of them either don’t offer NHS dental treatment at the moment or aren’t taking on new NHS patients.”
Healthwatch Isle of Wight previously branded dental services on the Isle of Wight "the biggest health inequality for Islanders" but says it is working with the Island's MP to bring specific issues to light.
NHS England says Islanders will have to wait longer for appointments because of the pandemic, but as exclusively reported by Isle of Wight Radio, two surgeries on the Isle of Wight have applied for additional funding, which would introduce additional appointments for Islanders.
Meanwhile, Healthwatch Isle of Wight's report Islander's raised concerns about smear test appointments, one said:
“I had my letter (invitation for cervical screening) and was told 2 weeks ago, I have to wait as they are not doing them at the moment. I have to have yearly follow ups at the moment due to problems.”
"NHS England says all GP practices have been asked to “ensure that cervical screening appointments are booked for all eligible women who request screening.”
However, of the 27% of the survey that was positive, cancer services, community-based services and the vaccine-roll out all received praise.
One Islander said:
“Full Marks to the staff at Carisbrooke Doctors which is being used as a vaccine centre – brilliant.”
Responding to the survey in full, Joanna Smith, Manager of Healthwatch Isle of Wight said:
‘Due to the covid-19 pandemic, there have been many changes and challenges within the health and care sector and Healthwatch play an important role in ensuring the voice of the public is heard.
‘We have had another busy two weeks providing an information, advice and signposting service for local people who need information on health and social care services. We are also able to amplify people’s concerns to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.
‘The most common reasons for people to get in touch with us at the moment are because they are having problems in getting an appointment with an NHS dentist or that they cannot book a cervical smear test at their GP surgery.
‘We have met with the IOW MP to discuss our concerns about the lack of NHS dentists on the Island and supported him to write a letter to the Secretary of State, detailing the particular problems we face as an Island community.
'We were particularly worried to hear from people who had been told by their GP practice that they could not book a cervical smear test.'
Yasmin Wills, Primary Care Lead for NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“All practices on the island continue to provide routine and urgent smear tests for its patients.
“Unfortunately a couple of practices temporarily reduced the number of clinics they could offer due to a combination of staff sickness and staff supporting the rapid rollout of the covid-19 vaccination programme.
“We understand the importance of having a smear test and encourage all eligible women to ensure they come forward to book their test.
“All practices on the island are following the national directive to prioritise booking cervical screening appointments for both urgent and routine tests, however we acknowledge there have been some delays and thank everyone for their patience.
“If you have concerns then please contact your GP practice to get more information.”
The results of the survey, are to improve the quality of life for Islanders, take part in the next one here.
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