We are working to ensure that children on the Isle of Wight are supported to get the best start in life that will lead to good health and wellbeing. This will provide the foundation to ensure they are able to achieve the best opportunities and keep as healthy and well as possible throughout their lives.
We want to ensure that families, individuals and communities are thriving and resilient with access to good jobs, affordable housing, leisure activities, lifelong training, education and learning, health and care services are are able to enjoy the place in which they live.
We want to ensure that people on the Isle of Wight are able to live independently in their own homes with appropriate care support. We want to make sure older residents are supported to play an active role in their communities and supported to maintain and develop their social and community networks.
As part of our commitment to engage with the island community the AGM was open to all.
Members of our teams and partner organisations set up stalls to talk with staff, patients, and the public.
Scroll down to find out more about some of the stalls.
In support of Organ Donation Week (18-24 September 2023) colleagues from the island’s Organ Donation Committee joined our AGM.
In partnership with NHS Blood and Transport, we are calling on local people to register their donation decision and talk to their families about organ donation.
Around 70,000 people on the Isle of Wight have already declared their decision through the NHS Organ Donor Register.
However, people need to tell their family to help ensure they support their decision if they are approached about organ donation by a specialist nurse in hospital.
There are thousands of people across the UK waiting for a life-saving donation. We need people across the Isle of Wight, regardless of age, to register their decision and talk with their friends and family about organ donation to ensure their wishes are met.
Having this conversation with your loved ones gives them the certainty they need, at what can be a very difficult time, to support your organ donation decision and save lives in future.
With the increase in the number of people waiting for transplants, it’s more important than ever to register your organ donation decision and make it known to your family and friends.
More information on organ donation >>
Vikki Crickmore, Consultant Nurse Critical Care and Clinical Lead for Organ Donation.
Our Ambulance Service has welcomed 12 special new recruits to their team this week to help reduce stress in the workplace.
Attendees of the AGM got to meet some of our canine colleagues.
Due to the nature of our work our ambulance staff are regularly exposed to distressing situations. This can mean we are more vulnerable to developing significant mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or the hidden problem of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Our NHS 111 and 999 hub staff are not immune from the stressful environment of emergency work either and they will also benefit from this new initiative. Our new four-legged colleagues will support teams by visiting the Ambulance Station and spending time with staff when they can during breaks and downtime.
Sophie Brockman, Specialist Paramedic.
Earlier in 2023 we introduced an airport-style buggy to help patients get around St Mary’s Hospital.
Run by volunteers, the scooter service has proved hugely popular carrying out hundreds of journeys in just a few weeks.
Our Volunteer Service was on hand at the AGM to talk about the service, how to access it and the positive difference it makes for patients.
Since the service was introduced in summer 2023, it has so far assisted with moving up to 58 patients and visitors a week and has been featured on BBC South Today.
Our AGM heard from former volunteers who have made the transition from volunteering to a career in the NHS.
Dalton joined the Trust in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic whilst he was on furlough from his employed position.
His volunteer role involved delivering patient belongings to the wards. At the time visitor restrictions were in place, therefore this task was necessary for patients to receive items such as clothing and electronical devices to enable them to have contact with their loved ones.
Dalton proved himself to be a very reliable member of the reception team.
He was very enthusiastic and put himself forward for a variety of roles. Dalton thrived from helping others.
In 2021, Dalton moved on from volunteering to become a Healthcare Assistant for the Trust.
He has continued to work on the Bank and has now expanded his skills to become a phlebotomist!!
Dalton said: “I've really enjoyed working at the hospital.
“I love being able to help people when they need it most, and it gives me a real sense of purpose.
“Plus, the people I work with are all supportive and friendly, which always makes the day go by a little bit quicker.
“I like that there's always something new to learn in healthcare, so it keeps things interesting. I enjoy working on the bank as it allows me to work within different teams throughout the Trust.”
Jessica joined the Trust in 2021, as a volunteer to gain experience alongside attending a Level 3 Health and Social Care course at the Isle of Wight College.
Jessica’s carer goal was to train as midwife however she recognised that any experience within a hospital setting would be beneficial.
She initially began in a meet and greet role on the main reception.
Her strong work ethics were soon noted during her time volunteering on reception, along with her caring nature and willingness to learn.
In 2022 Jessica was accepted as a volunteer on the Maternity ward and offered a position as a Health Care Assistant on the Bank!
Jessica was then even more delighted when a substantive role became available as a Maternity Support Worker. After a successful interview, she was offered a 30-hour contract.
Jessica said: “I feel very fortunate to have experienced every step which has led me to where I am now.
“When I started volunteering, I didn’t know that it could lead to so many opportunities such as joining the bank, figuring out what I enjoyed and working in lots of different areas around the hospital.
“Joining the bank meant that I found where I would love to work.”
