ENDORSEMENT from the Isle of Wight Council for the masterplan to dramatically alter how healthcare is delivered on the Island looks unlikely.


An extraordinary meeting of the authority’s executive is on Thursday, December 15 being recommended not to endorse the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP).

The expected stance follows authority "disappointment" expressed in October at the tight timescales dictated by NHS England for preparation of the plan.

In a representation to the NHS, Isle of Wight Council chief executive John Metcalfe said: "It did not give sufficient weight to the democratic process allowing the council the opportunity to consider the final plan, or debate the issues it raises in a public forum, and did not appear to conform to the best practice guidance."

The STP aims to close 40 hospital beds throughout Hampshire and the Island, justifying that by putting emphasis on prevention and care in the community.

Tuesday’s report by Mr Metcalfe questions whether members have sufficient information to make an informed decision about the effects of re-organisation.

It also questions whether the needs of adult social care — provided by the Isle of Wight Council — had been taken into account and the mitigation secured for the Island’s population if more travel is needed to the mainland for treatment.

The executive is being urged to continue to lobby NHS England to ensure that the needs of Island residents are fully taken into account.

The Isle of Wight NHS says that while more Island patients may need treatment at mainland hospitals more outpatient clinics would be held here.