The Isle of Wight’s MPs have responded to a report highlighting a “dire situation” with long waits for essential Island health services.
Richard Quigley, Isle of Wight West MP, and Joe Robertson, Isle of Wight East MP, shared their thoughts on Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s November 13 to December 12 Intelligence Report, which quoted one resident saying it was “nigh on impossible” to secure a face-to-face GP appointment.
The watchdog collected feedback on the Isle of Wight’s health and social care services which was 51 per cent negative, five per cent mixed or neutral and 44 per cent positive.
Key points raised by residents include long waits for an appointment at their GP practice, long waits in A&E though positive feedback for staff and struggles contacting some community pharmacies to confirm their opening times.
Richard Quigley (Labour) said: “Firstly, I would pass on my thanks to all NHS staff that are working under extreme pressure and still providing the best care they can.
“I met with Healthwatch last week, so unfortunately the report comes as no surprise. Over a decade of underinvestment in primary care and the increased burden on GPs practices hasn’t built a service fit for the 21st century.
“This Labour government is committed to training and recruiting thousands more GPs and ending the 8am phone call lottery which I know affects most Islanders.
“Community pharmacies are also key to the well-being of Islanders and the Health Secretary is outlining his plan to help pharmacies in the coming weeks. I have a good relationship with Wes Streeting and I’ll continue to work with him.
“What is clear is the previous hollowing out of services has left us in a dire situation across the country, but particularly on the Island.”
Mr Quigley added he was committed to working with colleagues “across government” and our “community leaders and stakeholders” to “rebuild primary care and other NHS services on the Island”.
Joe Robertson (Conservative) said: “Long waits for GP appointments and extended delays in A&E are two of the biggest issues raised with me since becoming an MP.
“Online appointments with a GP should be complementary to, not a replacement for, face-to-face appointments.
“Unfortunately, increasing taxes on GP surgeries through National Insurance rises in the recent Budget has placed further pressure on GP surgeries and is a step backwards.
“As a member of the cross-party Health and Social Care Select Committee, I am trying to improve support for health services, particularly those outside hospitals and in the community which are often overlooked.”
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight has been approached for comment.
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