The results of a new national survey show patients rate Island primary care services amongst the very best in the country.
The 2008 Healthcare Commission patient survey measures patients’ satisfaction, across 35 services provided by family doctors and dentists. The Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust was rated in the top performing 20% of all PCTs, in 25 categories and in three areas – information about side effects of medicines, advice about weight and support for long-term conditions – the Island NHS was rated best in the country. Just 4 years ago, the Island’s NHS found itself in the bottom 20% in a number of categories. In this year’s survey, being told how long to expect to wait to see a GP after arriving at a surgery and being given a choice about which hospital to be referred to for further treatment saw low scores and the Island slipped into the bottom performing 20%.