The Island’s NHS, the council and the community and voluntary sector are working together to improve health and social care services on the Island and want to hear what you think about local healthcare.The Isle of Wight Health and Care Plan was published in 2019 and sets out the health and care priorities for the Island over three years to help meet the needs of the local population and support people to lead healthy, independent lives.
The plan also sets out how organisations share a commitment to work more closely together to improve health and care to make services sustainable. Investment in community services and transforming the way mental health services are provided have been among the priorities over the past 3 years.
Michele Legg, Interim Chair of the Island’s Integrated Care Partnership said: “Over the past 18 months the people of the Isle of Wight have shared their views on some of the things that are important to them; such as better access to GP appointments and NHS Dental services and improved mental health support for adults, children and young people.“We want to hear what is working well for people and what we need to continue doing, what is not working and needs to change and where we might have gaps that need addressing. Their experiences will help to shape the future of healthcare on the Island over the next three years.”
IOW Council Spokesperson said: “There is no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the delivery of health and care services and efforts have been redirected to ensure we could respond to the immense challenges that the pandemic has created. However, we have still made progress in relation to the delivery of the health and care plan and in some areas have even exceeded our expectations.”
Darren Cattell, Chief Executive at IOW NHS Trust said: “The needs of our local community are changing and UK Government legislation means the NHS in England, at both a local and regional level, will begin reorganising with a focus on supporting different parts of the health and care sectors to work together. Developing the next phase of the Island’s health and care plan is a timely opportunity and I encourage individuals and voluntary groups to ensure their views are shared with us.”
A public survey has launched which is available online at: www.iowhealthandcare.co.uk/conversations
Papers versions of the survey are also available on request. The survey opened on Thursday 17 February and will close at 8pm on Sunday 20 March 2022.
Alongside the survey, local community groups are encouraged to hold their own health and care conversations and discuss what’s important to them, so that they can help shape the future of Island healthcare.For further information or to request the survey in an alternative format, please get in touch via: iownt.comms@nhs.net or telephone 01983 822099 ext. 6175.