‘It feels like winter 365 days a year’, say Isle of Wight health bosses as pressures on services continue into spring.
The Isle of Wight Council’s director of adult social care, Laura Gaudion, said there had been a substantial increase in demand over the winter, which has had a knock-on effect on other services.
This was echoed by the chief executive of the Isle of Wight NHS Trust who said winter pressure points had caused the trust to declare numerous critical incidents.
Darren Cattell said the problem now is demand doesn’t seem to be reducing, with high levels of pressure seemingly staying all-year round.
Speaking at the council’s health and scrutiny committee, Ms Gaudion said the issue remains that the authority never has sufficient money available to create innovative plans or long-term solutions.
As winter-specific funding reduces, Mr Cattell said the health partners would need to work out how they deliver safe and effective services together.
Another issue is the shortage of workers on the Island, which is so significant, Ms Gaudion said, the ability to meet needs is often challenged.
Schemes brought in during the winter to help offset the demand included re-opening Bluebells Care Home in Ventnor; additional home care teams and efforts focused on hospital discharge.
A review of the programmes implemented over the winter is taking place, Ms Gaudion said, which will show what has and has not worked and what should be taken forward, should funding allow.
Dr Michele Legg, clinical director for the Isle of Wight in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System, said it had been a challenging season with a lot of viral infections, covid and flu but without the plans, it would have been much more difficult.
By working together this winter, she said the health services had shared the burden with limited resources.
A workforce board has also been set up across health partners to address recruitment and retention challenges.
It’s hoped this will build the Island’s resilience in the health and social care sector.
Another Blow For Newport Nightlife As Wyld Closure Announced
Emergency Services Called To Shanklin Following Christmas Day Death Of Elderly Woman
Isle Of Wight Actor Acclaimed For Highlighting Issues Around Autism
Mountbatten Inviting Islanders To Sign Up For 2026 Lapland Husky Trail
Popular Totland Bay Seawall Footpath Reopens
Salvation Army Receives Festive Boost Thanks To December Donation From Southern Vectis
Isle Of Wight Council Supporting ‘Hoodies For Homeless’ Campaign
Man In 20s 'Under Investigation' Following Drink-Drive Arrest
Big Give 2024 Sees Huge Donation For Isle Of Wight Charity
Growing Resistance Over 14 Home Development Plans For Northwood
Parish Council Objects To Waste Recycling Plant At Knighton
Highways Improvement Work Continues In The New Year
Yarmouth's Kings Head To Feature Bed And Breakfast Accommodation
New Low Cost Flats Could Come To Ryde - If Plans Get Approved
Casualty Airlifted To Hospital Following Serious Overnight Crash Near Porchfield
Controversial Freshwater Housing Proposal Turned Down
Rare Mantis Shrimp Discovery Made In Waters Off Isle Of Wight
Pedestrian In Hospital With Serious Injuries Following Early Morning Motorcycle Crash
Cowes Stately Home To Have Facilities Upgraded As Part Of Approved Renovation
