Your magazine from the Isle of Wight Council Issue nineteen October 2008 oneIsland www.iwight.com

Larking in the mud! A summer to remember

Also inside: Thumbs up for museum visits Fund raising firefighters Your magazine from the Isle of Wight Council L K B Issue nineteen P >' I K A October 2008 www.iwight.co Welcome One Island is published ten times a year, each month except for September m  and January – these editions are combined with those of the previous month. If you have community news to share with other readers or would like to advertise in One Island, we would like to hear from you. Larking in We also welcome your letters – you can contact us by post, email or the mud! A summer to telephone. remember Post One Island, Communications, County Hall, Newport PO30 1UD Email [email protected] Also inside: Thumbs up for museum visits

Telephone 823105 Fund raising firefighters

One Isla nd October 2008.indd 1

1/10/08 makingcontact councilmeetings 10:00:49

USEFUL CONTACTS Unless otherwise stated, all meetings Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, are in public at County Hall. Call 823200 Newport PO30 1UD 24-hours before a meeting to ensure it Welcome to the October Fax 823333 issue of the council’s is going ahead and to check if any items Email [email protected] are likely to be held in private session. magazine, which this Website www.iwight.com month brings you an eight Council (council chamber) page summary of the 15 October (5pm) 19 November (6pm) council’s annual report for TELEPHONE SERVICES 2007/2008. Call centre 821000 Cabinet Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm 21 October (6pm) The annual report outlines Saturday: 9am to 1pm many of the improvements For telephone assistance we FACE TO (St Peter’s Hall, Seaview) the council carried out in recommend you contact the call FACE SERVICES 3 November (6pm) the previous 12 months, and centre directly where we aim to Newport Help Centre (committee room one) answer as many enquiries as possible 2 December (6pm) explains our future plans at this first point of contact. Tel 821000 (Seely Hall, Brook) for delivering improved Popular numbers County Hall, Newport PO30 1UD services. The report shows Automated telephone payments 559310 Mon to Fri: 8am to 6pm Audit Committee you how we were funded Council tax 823901 Sat: 9am to 1pm (committee room one) and how much we spent in Education 823455 Ryde Help Centre 4 November (6pm) 2007/2008. Environmental health 823000 Tel 812678 Planning Committee This issue also includes Housing benefits 823950 Ryde Library, 101 George Street, Ryde (council chamber) an annual report of the Libraries 203880 PO33 2JE 28 October (4pm) activities of the Isle of Wight Licensing 823159 Mon to Fri: 9am to 5pm 25 November (4pm) Planning 823552 NHS Primary Care Trust, Brading Help Centre Licensing Sub-committee Refuse collection 823777 one of our key partners Tel 401770 (committee room one) Roads and highways 823777 in the Island Strategic West Street, Brading PO36 0DR 13 October (4pm) Tourism 813813/813823 Partnership and the Eco Mon to Fri: 9am to 12 noon 8 December (4pm) Island vision. Trading standards 823396 Shanklin Help Centre Scrutiny Committee We also bring you articles Consumer Direct 08454 040506 (committee room one) on progress with our various Leisure services 823828 Falcon Cross Hall, Falcon Road, Shanklin Mon only: 10am to 4pm 30 October (6pm) improvement projects for Wightbus 823782 the Island community and Dial-a-bus 522226 West Wight Information Centre Ethical Standards Committee a feature celebrating some Adult and children’s services Tel 756140 (committee room one) of the major events which Adult services 520600 Freshwater Library, School Green Road, 17 November (6pm) Children’s services 525790 brought enjoyment to Freshwater PO40 9AP Policy Commission for Care, Health Local centres: Cowes 291144 thousands of Island visitors Mon: 9am to 5.15pm, and Housing (committee room one) Newport 823340 Tues and Wed: 9.30am to 5.15pm, Thur: and residents over the Ryde 566011 5 November (6pm) summer. Sandown 408448 (closed), Fri: 9.30am to 4.45pm. Closed for 10 December (6pm) Headquarters 520600 lunch (1pm to 2pm each day) The work put into these Policy Commission for Business and Wootton Bridge Centre events and the amount of Housing 823040 Infrastructure (committee room one) people they involve is a fine Tel 884361 12 November (6pm) example of the community EMERGENCY NUMBERS Joanne’s Walk, Brannon Way, Policy Commission for Children and In an emergency dial 999 Wootton Bridge PO33 4NU spirit we have here on the School Results (committee room one) Fire and rescue IW Council desk – Mon, Tues, Island. 22 October (6pm) control centre (24hrs) 525121 Thurs, Fri: 9.15am to 1pm 3 December (6pm) Councillor David Pugh, Out of hours: Cowes Help Centre Highways 525121 Policy Commission for Safer Leader of the Isle of Waste disposal 0800 3283851 Beckford Court, Beckford Road, Cowes Communities (committee room one) Wight Council Wightcare 821105 Fri (mornings): 9am to 12 noon 16 October (6pm) 27 November (6pm) sI e1 l o f W g i h t C o u n c l i 2 3 A t o Z o f s e r v ic e s A comprehensive listing of all the council’s services and contact A s mi p el a n d e a s y t o u s e g u di e t o y o u r ol c a sl e r v ci e s numbers can be found in the A to Z booklet sent out with your 4 5 6 Island Strategic Partnership Board council tax information earlier this year. You can also find an online (council chamber) A to Z of council services at iwight.com 7 8 9 26 November (5pm) Including information about y o u rc o u n c tli a x Incorporating Hampshire Police2 0 0 8 -2 0Auth 0 9 p o cil ni g b u d g e t a n d p roi rti ei s ority * 0 #

2 oneIsland In this issue NEWS DESK 4-9 Council and community news Islandimage FEATURES 11 Annual report A look at the council’s year 2007/2008 19 Island health services supplement A year of challenges 23 Summer of success! Celebrating festivals, shows and other events

REGULARS 26 Coast and country Rural and coastal news 26 Trailers Events and activities Cover picture: A pair of costumed Bestival-goers make light of the muddy conditions at this year’s event

ONE ISLAND is published by the Isle of Wight Council. The council does not accept responsibility for goods or services offered by advertisers. Additional copies are available from the Customer Service Centre at County Hall, libraries and other council facilities. Typetalk calls welcome. Written, designed and produced by Corporate Communications, Isle of Wight Council. ISSN 1752-8038 © COPYRIGHT 2008 Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1UD. Printed on paper from sustainable sources by Belmont Press.

Firestone Copse, by Doreen Gazey

One Island is available on request as an audiotape, in large print, in Braille and in other languages. For further details, please contact One Island on 823105. The magazine is also available online at www.iwight.com

October 2008 3 newsdesk The Isle of Wight well and truly flew the flag Island is top to mark the recent Olympic handover from Beijing to London. A 32ft yacht owned by the council- for school supported Island Youth Water Activity Centre not only flew the official handover museum visits flag with the official London 2012 logo, but also a huge spinnaker displaying the logo. Every council in Britain was invited to hoist a handover flag to celebrate the occasion, and the Island’s choice was intended to represent its strong sailing heritage and inspire young sportsmen and women to become Olympians of the future. Council leader, Councillor David Pugh said: “The 2012 Olympic Games will provide a great focus and source of inspiration to young people both on the Isle of Wight and around the world. The raising of the handover flag was an historic Isle of Wight schools are the best in the south moment east for visiting their local museums as part marking of their learning curriculum, a new report has London’s revealed. status as the Figures released by the South East Schools’ next city to Database Project show more than 90 per host the cent of Island primary schools and all middle Olympics, and high schools took part in museum-related and the learning during the 2006/2007 academic Island was year. proud to The figures also show almost half of the be taking primary schools taking part in museum part.” learning have visited museums off the Island. The museum visits for Island schools Looking ahead are linked to a partnership between the council’s heritage education service and local attractions and museums. The sites include Brading Roman Villa, Dimbola Lodge to London 2012 at Freshwater, Carisbrooke Castle Museum, Dinosaur Isle at Sandown (pictured above), and Newport Roman Villa. Each year Island schools also borrow more than 1,000 museum items free of charge via the heritage education service, greatly enhancing history lessons. Councillor Alan Wells, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Students often learn more with practical demonstrations and visits to local museums. Not only do these visits help their learning, but they also teach them about the history of the Island.”

4 oneIsland Council and community news

Big tidy up at New signs East Cowes are slowing Parishes traffic conference is Speed reactive signs and big success advisory 20mph speed People at East signs installed by the Close to 200 delegates from the Island Cowes joined council at selected points and mainland attended a Power to the forces for a mass across the Island are Parishes conference at Gurnard Pines, litter clear up in proving effective in slowing Cowes in September. September, as part down traffic, new data The conference, focusing on the role of a major national shows. of parish and town councils, attracted campaign. One hundred and thirty speakers including yachtswoman Dame The initiative signs were installed at Ellen MacArthur, Ken Cleary (chairman was part of the targeted locations as part introduced outside schools of the National Association of Local countrywide Big of the council’s One Island are also reducing the Councils), and Nick Randle (chief executive Tidy Up project, programme – and as well speeds of motorists. of the Society of Local Clerks). run nationally by as illustrating the speed Statistics reveal that of Isle of Wight Council leader, Councillor the environmental of approaching cars or pedestrians hit by vehicles David Pugh, addressed delegates on the charity Encams flashing when the limit is most are killed when a authority’s programme of improvements (formerly Keep being exceeded, the signs vehicle’s speed is 40mph, and how parish and town councils have Britain Tidy), and are also able to collect data but half are killed at 30mph, got involved. locally by the about the speed of passing and at 20mph most survive. There were also workshops giving council’s town vehicles. If average speeds increase delegates the chance to focus on key centre manager, The data currently by just 1mph, collisions can issues facing the parish sector. Gillian Mulcahy. shows that the signs alone increase by 19 per cent. Councillor Pugh said: “Power to the As well as the have been effective in The speed signs are part Parishes was an extremely worthwhile Big Tidy Up, Gillian cutting speeds wherever of a comprehensive range event, showing just how much good work has initiated vari- they have been erected. of road safety initiatives is being done by our town and parish ous other projects Manually collected data and campaigns being councils.” to improve the shows 20mph limits undertaken by the council. public realm at East Cowes, Walking celebrations with an autumnal flavour including ‘Thumbs Don’t miss the Isle of Wight Walking Festival’s Up’, an anti-litter celebratory tenth anniversary weekend this pledge supported month – a special extra event following on by local school- from May’s successful 16-day festival. children. The event takes place from 24 to 27 The Big Tidy Up October and features more than 40 autumnal at East Cowes was walks taking in a wide variety of themes. supported by the The walks include treasure hunts, wild food town’s churches walks, ghost walks, twilight walks, friendship and other volun- walks as part of Breast Cancer Awareness teers. Month, Nordic walking, and downland and Gillian Mulcahy forest walks. said: “Although One of the highlights of the weekend is An East Cowes Evening with Alan Hinkes – the only Briton doesn’t have to climb all the world’s highest mountains a serious litter – at Medina Theatre, Newport on Sunday problem, we do 26 October. For ticket details contact have several litter the theatre on 527020 or book online at hotspots that www.medinatheatre.co.uk spoil an otherwise The sponsors of the weekend walking clean town. It is festival are the council, Red Funnel, Wightlink, important that we, the Ordnance Survey and Millets. as a community, More information about the event can come together and various walks is available at to give the town a www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk spruce up.”

October 2008 5 newsdesk Don’t delay, claim today! If you are struggling in the current If there is anything that could affect economic climate it may be worth your benefits, please let the council know checking to see if you are entitled to when they occur. housing and council tax benefit, or a Advice and help is available from local reduction in your council tax. offices across the Island, at: Island residents are being reminded Sandown – Civic Centre, Sandown; they can also call the council if they are Newport – County Hall, Newport; having difficulty paying rent or their Ryde – Ryde Library; council tax. Freshwater – Freshwater Library The number to call for help is 823950, (Tuesdays and Fridays); or you can check for information on the East Cowes – North Medina Trust, Ferry council’s iwight.com website. Road, East Cowes (Wednesdays, 9.30am If you are currently in receipt of housing to 12.30pm); and council tax benefits, don’t forget this Cowes – 5 Beckford Road, Cowes is the time of year when there are a lot of (Fridays, 9am to 12 noon). changes to incomes, for example wages A new office was also due to open at increasing or decreasing, Working and Ventnor on 2 October, at Ventnor Coastal Child Tax Credits changing or someone Centre, with an officer in attendance each either leaving or moving into your home. Thursday, 9am to 12 noon. Look out for your Turning the Island pink in October public transport In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, weekend on the 25 October and a wear it pink day the Isle of Wight is turning pink throughout on Friday 31 October. handbook October. Lauren Basket, Breast Cancer Campaign The council is working in partnership with the community development manager, said: “There is Breast Cancer Campaign to encourage tourist a strong community spirit on the Isle of Wight, and attractions across the Island to get involved and thanks to the support we’ve received from local The host pink-themed days and activities in support of businesses and attractions, we’re sure the Isle of latest Isle the cancer charity. Pink is going to be a complete success.” of Wight At Sandown, Dinosaur Isle is holding pink fossil All monies raised from turning the Isle of Wight Public walks and treasure hunts and the Isle of Wight pink will help the charity to continue funding Transport Zoo will be giving pink treats to their animals. vital breast cancer research. For information on Handbook Other activities being organised on the Isle of how to take part in an Isle of Pink event or how is now Pink include a friendship walk, taking place as part to organise your own call 0207 7493708 or visit available of the council’s tenth anniversary walking festival www.breastcancercampaign.org. from libraries, council help centres Binning butts gets easier and tourist Additional facilities are being elsewhere later this year. litter is generated on our streets information introduced across the Island to Mike Rowlands, one of during the evenings when centres make it easier for smokers to Newport’s town centre managers, people are out socialising. The across the dispose of their cigarette butts. said: “The majority of cigarette location of the new bins makes Island. As part of the council’s ongoing it more convenient for smokers The comprehensive handbook litter bin replacement programme to dispose of their butts and in contains route maps and new bins have been introduced Newport we are already seeing timetables for all bus, train and with purpose fitted stubbing the positive impact the new bins ferry services on the Island as plates. are having on the town’s streets.” well as mainland bus and train It is estimated around 200 The council is also working with connections. million cigarette butts are thrown local businesses, providing advice It also contains information away in Britain each day, with on the installation of ashtrays about concessionary fares, school each one taking 12 years to and bins outside their premises. bus travel, the Cowes Floating biodegrade. For information about quitting Bridge, how to get to hospitals The first new stubbing plate smoking, contact the Isle of Wight in Portsmouth and Southampton bins were introduced in Newport Specialist Stop Smoking Service and details of National Express and Ventnor during the summer, (Island Quitters) at 46, Sea Street, routes and timetables. with more bins to be installed Newport, tel: 814280.

6 oneIsland Council and community news

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October 2008 7 newsdesk

Fund raising Relive your New wave of super-loos Bestival firefighters – pride New eco-friendly conveniences at Brading, memories of the Island Yaverland and Wootton are now all open to the public – and work is about to begin on a further facility in Ventnor. Consultation is also underway on five more public toilets, scheduled to open in June next year, at: Moa Place, Freshwater; Eastern A group of Island firefighters Gardens, Shanklin; Eastern Esplanade, Ryde; raising money for cancer Bridge Street, Yarmouth; and Pier Street, patients have been Sandown. congratulated on their Major refurbishments meanwhile are to be marathon 1,488 mile charity carried out at Church Litten, Newport and Lind cycling trek from St Thomas’ Street, Ryde. Square, Newport to St Peter’s The quality of the Island’s public Square in the Vatican City. conveniences was highlighted as a priority The firefighters were aiming area for improvement in recent consultations. to raise £60,000 for the All the toilets feature natural ventilation The council’s Wessex Cancer Trust, for the and high level windows to increase natural iwight.com diagnosis, treatment and care light and also low energy light fittings and low website is once of Island cancer patients, and maintenance planting schemes. again featuring were cycling in memory of Stuart Love, director of environment and an extensive the late film director, Anthony neighbourhoods, said: “The public has clearly gallery of Minghella. told us that they wish to see improved public highlights from On their arrival in Rome the toilet provision on the Island so I hope these this year’s Island team was joined by new eco loos will be well received and well PICTURED (top to bottom): The new toilets Bestival at Robin members of the Italian fire used.” at Brading, Wootton and Yaverland Hill Country Park service’s cycling team who – mud and all! rode alongside the Islanders for the last 29 miles of their two-week challenge. The Helping to Italian firefighters guided the team through Rome’s busy buy your streets into St Peter’s Square where they were greeted by friends, families and first home supporters including the British Ambassador to the Vatican City, the parents of Anthony Minghella and Isle of Wight chief fire officer Paul Street. Paul Street said: “I am immensely proud of the team which has shown great More than 300 strength and determination photographs throughout the challenge. can be browsed Many prospective first time buyers on the Island are now eligible for a grant of They have pulled together as on the site, between 15 and 50 per cent towards the cost of buying a home. a tight team to raise funds for including some The help in getting on the housing ladder comes through the government’s Open cancer treatment on the Isle of of the best Market Home Buy Scheme, which provides a grant as an equity loan. Wight, and I am sure the whole fancy dress As well as first time buyers, others in housing need may also be helped, including Island community will join me costumes, key public sector workers, housing association tenants and people on the housing in congratulating them on their artists’ waiting list – as long as their household income is below £60,000. achievements.” performances, The scheme can also help some people who previously owned their own home Anyone wishing to make and a reminder and are now not able to buy again. a donation can do so online of a thoroughly Two roadshows are being held to provide details of the scheme: at the Broadway at www.justgiving.com/ muddy Centre, Broadway, Sandown, on 14 October and the Riverside Centre, Newport, on squaretosquare2008 or September 15 October. Doors open at 7pm and the presentations start at 7.15pm. by following advice at weekend. The scheme is being launched on the Island through a partnership between the firefighters’ website Have a look at the council and Thames Valley Housing Association. You can find out more at www.sq2sq.com iwight.com www.Homebuy4u.co.uk or by calling 0845 6006699.

8 oneIsland Council and community news

Keith is new Fewer Sports unit round-up councillors education chief from 2009 Key conference for sports clubs

The council has appointed two highly experienced officers to help with its drive to improve educational standards. The new director of children and young people is Keith Woods (above left), who has The Electoral worked for many councils, including as director Commission has of learning at Bury, and assistant director of confirmed that children’s services at Essex Council. the number of He has also been part of an Ofsted team of Isle of Wight inspectors that reviews how children’s services Council members at councils across the country are performing. will be cut from Also joining the council, as commissioner the current 48 for school standards, is Alan Stubbersfield to 40. (above right), who has previously worked for The change Dorset County Council, and as head of school will come into improvement at Gloucestershire County Council. effect from the next elections Island sports clubs are being invited to attend an annual conference in May or June Crackdown on at St George’s Park, Newport on 3 November. 2009, as will The Isle of Wight Community Sports Club Conference 2008 a change from insurance fraud is designed for all involved in sport, especially sports clubs, club 48 wards to 39. C a t c h i n g i n s u r a n c e f r a u d s t e c o u n c i l rs f o r h o n e s t One of the new A new hotline is being ta x p a y e r s officials, coaches and volunteers. F r e e adopted by the council s e t o f p r i n t s The aim of the conference, which takes place from 6.30pm to wards – Brading, f o r f r a u d s t e r s to tackle the issue of 9pm, is to highlight important information for sports clubs as well St Helens and people lodging fraudulent as build new links and share good practice. Bembridge – insurance claims against Issues to be discussed include funding, child protection, school will elect two the authority. club links and Clubmark accreditation. members to the Last year there were Speakers will include representatives of the council’s sports unit council. more than 200 claims and Sport Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Details of the made against the council. Places must be booked in advance (for catering purposes), changes and H e lp in g u s t o m in im is e y o u r Although the authority c o u n c il t a x b il and you should contact the sports unit on 823818 or email: maps of the has a comprehensive [email protected] new boundaries insurance policy, it has and wards will to pay an excess on all claims met. be available at The new Insurance Fraudline is a 24-hour New website for sports unit www.iwight.com confidential line where any details of a in the near fraudulent or embellished claim against the The council’s sports unit now has a new dedicated section on the future. council can be reported. Many other councils iwight.com website, giving information for clubs, talented athletes There will be subscribe to the service. and individuals looking to get involved in sport. no alterations If there is sufficient evidence that a Clubs can access the latest information on funding, coaching, to the existing fraudulent claim – false claims or exaggerated officiating and accreditation, while budding athletes can find boundaries claims – has been made, then details will be information about support available to them through the council’s between reported to the police. talented athlete programme. parish and Already the council takes measures to weed A new sports directory compiled by the sports unit contains key town councils, out false claims before a claim is passed on to information along with contact details of the diverse range of clubs although there insurers. on the Island. will be some Details of the hotline and warnings against The site also contains details of the council’s sports unit team, changes to making embellished claims will be displayed on useful links, the latest Island sports news and a list of forthcoming the wards posters placed at public buildings. events. Visit www.iwight.com/sportsunit to find out more. within these The new hotline number is O800 3289270. boundaries.

October 2008 9 Advertisement Complete this questionnaire for a chance to win a £50 gift voucher We know that visitors to the Island are impressed with the standard of cleanliness of our Garden Isle, but we would like your views as well. Some of you may notice that these questions are the same as those we asked last year. This enables us to undertake comparative analysis of each year’s results. Please tick the answer you feel is the most applicable. STREET SWEEPING REFUSE COLLECTION (Please note that Island Waste Services’ contract does not include 1 When your household waste is collected each week, where do you weed removal) think it is taken? 1 The contract is responsible for cleaning over 800km of roads and 22km Landfill of cycle track. In relation to your own locality do you feel it is? The Resource Recovery Facility in Forest Road Very clean Acceptably clean Other (please state) Not clean enough 2 How satisfied are you with your refuse collection service? 2 When travelling around the Island do you generally perceive it to be? Very satisfied Satisfied Very clean Acceptably clean Not satisfied Not clean enough 3 How satisfied are you with recycling services on the Island? 3 The Isle of Wight Council provides over 270 dog bins, emptied by the Very satisfied Satisfied contractor. Are you... Not satisfied Satisfied with the frequency of emptying dog bins 4 How satisfied are you with the facilities at the Island’s three civic Not satisfied with the frequency of emptying dog bins amenity sites (Afton Road, Freshwater; Forest Park, Newport; and Lynnbottom, Arreton)? Not applicable/don’t know Very satisfied Satisfied 4 The Isle of Wight Council provides over 1,200 litterbins. Are you... Not satisfied Satisfied with the frequency of emptying litterbins in your area 5 Are you aware of the organic kitchen waste collection service (green buckets) and kerbside recycling service (black box) for newspapers, Not satisfied with the frequency of emptying litterbins in magazines, glass bottles and jars and textiles? your area Organic waste YES NO Not applicable/don’t know Kerbside recycling YES NO 5 The contract includes a rapid response team able to react to littering and fly tipping. NB. You can request a FREE bucket or box if you do not have Are you aware of any litter hot spot/fly tipping areas? one, by filling out the form below. YES NO 6 Please could you indicate in how many of the following you have seen/heard information about Island Waste Services in the last year. If you answered YES, please state where. Please tick all that apply. IW County Press One Island magazine From your children Local community group talks To help us, please could you complete this section: The Beacon Local shows, eg Garlic Festival AGE – Under 21 41-50 MALE Isle of Wight Radio Guided walks 21-30 51-60 FEMALE Other (please state) 31-40 61+ POST CODE (please complete) PO Please return this questionnaire to: Island Waste Services, Freepost, SCE6194, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5YX If you would like to be entered into the prize draw to win a £50 gift voucher, please complete the section below. If you also require a recycling box and/or bucket please complete this section as well. Name

Address Postcode

✁ Please deliver (tick as appropriate): Organic waste bucket Kerbside recycling box

10 oneIsland Annualreport 2007/2008

Foreword The council’s vision for the Island and for our services has been developed with partners and the wider community as a focus for future development. It is my privilege to be the chairman of the Island Strategic Partnership, whose Eco Island strategy aims to improve the quality of life for our whole community. We will deliver this through our shared priorities with our partners and the council’s own modernisation agenda. Our progress with these priorities is outlined in this annual report. The achievement of these priorities has only been possible through sound financial Isle of Wight Council management of the council’s budget, robust governance standards and consistent Annual Report 2007/2008 improvement of our performance. This has allowed the council to address priority service areas and This annual report is a summarised version • The statement of accounts respond to residents’ needs during of information available in three documents available at: www.iwight.com/council/ the year, while keeping council published by the council: departments/finance_business/statemen.asp tax increases at no more than the • The annual governance statement • The best value performance plan rate of inflation. This is against a available at: www.iwight.com/council/ available at: www.iwight.com/council/ background of grant settlements committees/Audit%20Committee/23-6-08/ documents/performance_and_assessment from the government which agenda.pdf reduces the Island’s calculated share of grant to compensate other The annual governance statement outlines only provide reasonable and not absolute councils and against which we will the governance framework within the council. assurance of effectiveness. continue to seek a fair settlement This includes the systems, processes, culture The system of internal control is based on for the Isle of Wight. and values by which the council is directed an ongoing process designed to identify This is the first time we have and controlled, and the ways in which it and prioritise the risks to the achievement presented the information in this accounts to, engages with and leads the of the council’s policies, aims and objectives, format. It follows consultations community. to evaluate the likelihood of those risks in which you said you wanted to The governance framework helps the being realised and the potential impact and see our performance and services council to monitor the achievement of its to manage them efficiently, effectively and linked to our finance in an easy to strategic objectives and to ensure these lead economically. understand way. We hope you find to appropriate, cost effective services. The annual governance statement for this helpful and would welcome The system of internal control is a significant 2007/2008 confirms that the governance your feedback. part of that framework and is designed to framework has been in place for the year manage risk to a reasonable level. It cannot ended 31 March 2008 and up to the date David Pugh eliminate all risk of failure to achieve policies, of approval of the published financial Leader of the council aims and objectives and can therefore statements.

✁ Annualreport 2007/2008

The council’s environmental footprint The council worked with the Carbon Trust to quantify the carbon emissions from our activities and to identify what could be done to reduce these. The council’s emissions increased from 25,939 in 2004/2005 to 28,440 in 2005/2006. The Carbon Management Strategy and Implementation Plan contains projects to achieve a four per cent annual reduction in the next five years. By 2011/2012, we aim to: • cut carbon emissions by 3,796 tonnes over a three year period (a reduction of 13 per cent), and by 6,240 tonnes over a five year period (a reduction of 22 per cent); • cut carbon emissions at a rate of at least four per cent per year and review this target regularly; • and cut carbon emissions from 28,440 tonnes (2005/2006 figure) to 24,644 tonnes by 2010/2011, and to 22,200 tonnes by 2012/13.

What have we done to reduce our emissions so far? We are recruiting an energy manager and are implementing activities to reduce our own carbon footprint. These include: • reviewing our property with police and health partners; • introducing smart meters in schools to accurately monitor energy use; • installing very high efficiency gas boilers; • using high efficiency and variable speed motors in leisure centres; As part of the Island Strategic ways of working. • fitting LED lighting; Partnership (ISP), the council has Eco Island sets out ways we can • insulating of pipework in boiler houses; worked with its partners in the public, work together to build thriving, • improving our office paper recycling scheme; community, voluntary and business strong, healthy, safe and sustainable • providing seven smart electric cars as pool cars; sectors to agree a vision, values, communities. • and opening three new eco public toilets – with photo priorities and outcomes for the way The ambition for an eco Island grew voltaic roofs, wind turbines and rainwater harvesting, ahead. out of public concern to protect and designed in consultation with the community. This vision is called Eco Island and enhance our natural environment, is the over-arching plan for the Island. which scored consistently high in The Eco Island priorities are: residents’ surveys. The ISP responded • a thriving island; to these concerns following research • a safe and well kept island; commissioned by the council, which • a healthy and supportive island; looked at the Island’s ecological • an inspiring island; footprint – the amount of global • and a modern council. landmass used per person. It is an ambitious programme, A sustainable long-term footprint is launched at a conference in March described as “one planet living”. The 2008 at which more than 250 Isle of Wight is currently calculated community and business leaders as being “three planet living”. Eco heard keynote speakers highlighting Island is intended to help remedy the energy efficiency and sustainable imbalance. Sandown and Shanklin Sandown beach is one of beaches retained their A safe and well kept Island the beaches on the Island Blue Flag status while with Blue Flag status Local residents can access free home safety checks provided by the Ventnor regained its fire and rescue service. These include testing and installing smoke Blue Flag. One of the key alarms, making sure they are positioned in the correct areas, and qualifications for Blue Flag advice on general fire safety awareness and escape routes. The safety status is the provision checks are free and can be arranged by calling 525121 or emailing: of full time lifeguards. In [email protected] 2007, the council funded lifeguards who are on Performance indicator Target Actual duty between May and Percentage of fires attended in dwellings where no September. 30% 16.9% smoke alarm was fitted Residents rate the need ✓ to improve our roads as a high priority and in 2008 the government approved the Island’s application for a £325 million private finance scheme, enabling every stretch of Island highway to be brought up to standard over the coming years. The council cleans 894 kilometres of public highways every year. Also in 2007/2008, 75 speed reactive signs were installed across the Island, with more to follow, and 20mph speed restrictions were implemented outside schools. The council recycled 14.15 per cent of household waste and composted 22.69 per cent. It collected 558 kilogrammes of household waste per head of population. One hundred per cent of the Island’s population has a kerbside collection of recyclables. The level of new homes built on previously developed land was 93.4 per cent, and 172 private sector vacant dwellings were returned to occupation. Five cases of homelessness were prevented.

The council has been promoting A thriving geo-caching as a way of encouraging people to enjoy the Island Island countryside The Isle of Wight Geo-caching Project, organised by the council’s parks and countryside section, is an innovative and interactive way of getting people to enjoy and explore the Island’s 826 kilometres of footpaths and other rights of way (which the council maintains). Using a hand-held global positioning system (GPS), similar to those used in cars, ‘geo-cachers’ can explore the Island and discover its nature and heritage while Some of the town centre managers employed by the council following trails to hidden treasure, or ‘caches’. During 2007, the council ran regular taster sessions and The council has 11 town centre managers in place and spent £500,000 events across the Island. smartening up Island towns in 2007/2008. The 2007 walking festival featured more than 200 walks and attracted Funding was also made available to tackle dog fouling (highlighted as more than 15,500 walkers. a concern in the residents’ survey), with two dog wardens recruited to Performance indicator Target Actual supplement the existing service. Three new dog control orders were also introduced for the Island, replacing out of date by-laws, and there was Percentage of total length of footpaths/other 90% 94% a dog litterbin replacement programme. New dog litter bag dispensers rights of way easy to use by members of the public ✓ were also purchased. Annualreport 2007/2008

In 2007/2008, around 1,000 free personal homecare packages for elderly residents were implemented, resulting in a 23 per cent reduction in the number of people living Personal homecare in residential care and a 56 per cent increase in older people being supported by the for the elderly community. A figure of 92 per cent of care equipment was delivered in seven working days. Island children missed 7.55 per cent of half days in secondary school and 5.24 per cent of half days in primary schools in 2007/2008. These were among the top results nationwide, and even more challenging targets are now being worked towards. A total of 19,587 pupils visited museums and galleries in organised school groups, and the council funded thousands of free swimming sessions for Island children during the 2007 summer holidays. Island GCSE results in 2007 showed that for the first time an average of more than 50 per cent of students achieved five A* to C grade passes. Performance indicator Target Actual Percentage of 15 year old pupils in schools maintained by the local education authority achieving five or more GCSEs at 49% 51.3% grades A* to C or equivalent ✓ A healthy and supportive island The national concessionary travel scheme applies to travel between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays, weekends and bank holidays for residents aged 60 and over or those with an eligible disability. Following consultation with residents, the Island scheme was extended to 24 hours for those eligible and to those accompanying them for reasons of assistance. The council also funded free rail travel on the Island to eligible users and those accompanying them. The council agreed to fund free bus and rail travel during peak and off peak times for Island residents suffering severe and enduring mental illness. The exemplary practice of the council’s social care and development team was recognised at the national Skills for Care Accolades 2007 ceremony. The award recognised the team’s ability to lead the way in the development of exciting new learning opportunities for social work students in Island schools. Performance indicator Target Actual Local bus services passenger journeys per year 6,282,000 7,712,010 An inspiring island ✓ How young people confront problems in their lives such as bullying, alcohol and drug abuse and housing was the main theme of the 2007 Wight 2B Heard conference. The Wight 2B Heard conference is a multi-agency event, project managed by Connexions and the council. The 2007 Big Day Out took place at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet, attended by thousands of people. The free family event promotes services for children and young people. Hundreds of Island school pupils took part in the 2007 Junior Citizens’ Week. They learnt how and when to make 999 calls, practical first aid and how a seatbelt works, the dangers of taking drugs, staying safe in the water, and being safe on the roads. The council received national praise for being one of the first ten local authorities to meet its targets for children’s centres. The Island has eight children’s centres, which Free bus and rail travel provide an environment for young children and their families for eligible users to benefit from support relating to health, childminding, adult learning and training. Conferences like Wight 2B Heard and the annual Big Day Out help address issues facing young people

The council’s benefits fraud team – based at the Civic Centre, total of £9.405 million of efficiency gains of which £8.097 million (86.1 per Sandown – has been rated as the best in the south according to a cent) were cashable savings. recent government report. During 2007/2008 the benefits investigation team looked into 363 cases of alleged benefit fraud. As a result of these investigations: A modern council • 16 people were prosecuted; • 19 people accepted an administrative penalty; The 2007 annual residents’ survey indicated more Island residents were • and 60 people accepted a formal caution. satisfied with the way the council was running things than they were The revenues and benefits team collected 99.1 per cent of council tax, in 2006. The survey, which took place between April and May 2007 and and 99.6 per cent of national non-domestic rates, the sixth best collection used a representative sample of 800 residents, found that ten per cent rate in the country. The benefits caseload increased in 2007/2008 from more residents were satisfied with the way the council was running 14,160 to 14,272. The council paid 96 per cent of its invoices within 30 things. Those dissatisfied with the council had decreased by five per cent. days of being received. The survey also showed that residents’ opinion of the council had The annual efficiency statement (AES) is a statutory return which improved, with slightly more likely to speak highly of the council (plus monitors efficiency savings. The council’s target over a three year period two per cent) and slightly less likely to be critical of the council (minus was to deliver efficiency gains of £8.233 million, of which 50 per cent eight per cent). Indications reveal this was due to perceptions of an should be cashable efficiency gains. In the event, the council delivered a improved management style and that residents felt generally better informed via communications, consultation and about the council’s plans for the future. www.iwight.com Although the survey indicated that a third of residents felt council won best public sector website services had improved over the previous 12 months, nearly half felt at the Hantsweb services were unchanged and that the council needed to focus on Awards road maintenance, rubbish collection and recycling, tackling crime, and education. The council’s website, www.iwight.com, won the best public sector website award at the Hantsweb Awards. Customers can use iwight.com to access online services including payment of council tax, car parking permits and invoices, reporting highways defects, flytipping and abandoned vehicles as well as information about latest roadworks, forthcoming meetings and planning applications. In June 2007, almost 3.5 million pages were viewed by visitors to the site. Annualreport 2007/2008

Summary of accounts In 2007/2008, the council spent £326.6 million on services. The council’s annual budget consultation helps to determine the rate of council tax to be paid in the forthcoming year. A figure of 19 per cent Where the money came from in 2007/2008 of council funding is raised from the council tax and the council is keen £000’s % to ensure this is spent on community priorities. Budget consultation is usually undertaken annually in the preceding autumn to allow more Dedicated schools grant 70,911 22 time and more people to get involved. A variety of methods are used to Formula grants 50,701 15 engage with people, including questionnaires and surveys, focus group Other government grants 93,239 29 meetings and public meetings. Results are taken into account when formulating the level of council tax and how we intend to spend the Council tax 63,290 19 money. Charges, rents and other The council’s budget consultation exercise for 2009/2010 is currently 48,521 15 income and adjustments being planned and will be announced shortly. If you would like to take TOTAL 326,662 part, look out for information in the local press and on the council’s website. What we are worth Capital expenditure Assets - owned £000’s In 2007/2008 the council spent £23.2 million on capital projects. This Land and buildings 250,642 was £17.5 million less than the budget of £40.7 million and resources are available to be carried forward to meet areas of slippage in the capital Vehicles, plant, furniture and equipment 7,513 programme. Infrastructure – roads, bridges etc 69,013 Shared ownership dwellings 1,204 The main items of capital expenditure were: Assets under construction 3,483 £000’s Surplus assets held for disposal 8,183 Sandown High School 1,785 Other 2,000 Medina High School 1,517 Stock 609 Oakfield housing scheme 1,105 Cash and investments 36,445 ICT in schools 984 Money owed to the council 17,073 Summerfields Primary School 525 TOTAL 396,165 Arreton Primary School 506 Liabilities – owed Heathfield House 500 Borrowing – ie loans -145,718 Nettlestone rural housing scheme 476 Money owed by the council -28,372 One school pathfinder 470 Long term pension liability -105,534 Road safety speed signs 425 Insurance liabilities -2,980 In addition, major contracts had been entered into, with the following Capital grants and contributions -24,328 outstanding sums at 31 March, 2008: Deferred liabilities -520 £000’s TOTAL -307,452 Medina High School 631 NET ASSETS at March 31, 2008 88,713 Children’s centre - Sandown 400 Financed by Public convenience - Ventnor 257 Earmarked reserves 18,917 Downside Middle School 255 General fund balance 16,001 Sandown High School 232 Capital and accounting reserves 53,795 Public convenience - Yaverland 219 TOTAL 88,713

As the council’s statutory chief financial officer, I can confirm that audited by an auditor appointed by the Audit Commission – this year’s statement of accounts has been prepared in line with the government’s public spending watchdog. We received an the Accounting Code of Practice. unqualified audit opinion as in previous years. The Isle of Wight Council’s 2007/2008 accounts have been Dave Burbage, director of finance What we spent the money on in 2007/2008

The council spent £23.2 million on The council spent £4.3 million on The council spent £56.5 million on adult highways, roads and transport in democratic services, £400,000 on social care in 2007/2008, including: 2007/2008, undertaking routine and court services and £14.6 million on the provision of 460,000 hours of home emergency maintenance of carriageways corporate services. This included £10.5 care supporting people to remain and pavements, and maintaining 12,000 million in corporate services in respect independent in their own homes; 72,000 streetlights. This included around £380,000 of council tax benefit, which is matched weeks of residential and nursing care; on roads affected by snow, ice and by a reimbursed subsidy from central and the provision of day care services to drainage problems. We have a cyclical government. 850 adults (at 31 March 2008). maintenance programme of cleaning more than 1,600 gullies and maintaining 7,181 car parking spaces on the Island.

The council spent £7.9 million on fire services in 2007/2008, The council spent providing one wholetime £40.2 million on culture, fire station, nine retained fire environment and planning stations, community safety in 2007/2008, which included (prevention), technical safety the management and and enforcement (protection) maintenance of more than and performance and risk 160 public parks, gardens, functions (response) and open spaces, sports grounds related support services. and amenity areas as well as Fire and rescue staff visited leisure centres, museums, schools, homes and business theatres, allotments, premises to spread the fire libraries, and 13 award and road safety message winning beaches. It spent and advise on fire prevention £1.6 million on the frontline and detection. The service environmental health provided support to other services of licensing, trading emergency services and standards, the Island’s advised on safety issues at crematorium, 12 cemeteries events throughout the year. and 11 closed churchyards. A total of 2,841 emergency calls were received and 2,500 appliances attended 1,500 incidents throughout the year.

Total expenditure on services for children and young people in 2007/2008 was £128.5 million. Included in this figure is specific ring-fenced grant for educational provision totalling £92.5 million, of which £77.1 million was delegated to the authority’s 69 schools. The remaining £15.4 million was spent on centrally retained educational The council spent £51.0 million on housing services in services, including early years provision and pupils with statements 2007/2008, including £40.4 million paid to rent allowance of special educational needs. The authority was responsible for claimants as housing benefit and the associated costs of the education of 18,264 pupils in 2007/2008. The council spent administering this benefit. This expenditure is almost entirely £2.9 million on agency placements for more than 100 children with reimbursed by central government to the council as a subsidy. special educational and/or physical needs. A further £1.4 million was This also included £5.6 million spent on supporting vulnerable spent on boarding out allowances for approximately 180 looked after people through the provision of housing related support via the children. The council supported 31 families with 53 adopted children. supporting people programme. Annualreport 2007/2008

Glossary of accounting terms Dedicated schools grant is a grant paid by central government Earmarked reserves represent funds held by the council for that can only be used to pay for schools related spend. specific purposes. They include unspent allocations of budget Other government grants are grants from central government for held by schools, as well as money set aside for insurance and risk support on a range of specific services. management and to support future capital investment. Such Council tax is a property tax collected from local taxpayers. reserves are held to meet future liabilities or spending commitments, Formula grant is made up of two elements, the revenue support as well as promoting good financial management by allowing a grant and non-domestic rates. The revenue support grant is paid degree of flexibility between years. to support local services generally, whereas other government General fund balances are required to provide adequate funds grants are paid to support a range of specific services or projects. year on year to meet any unforeseen demands on the council’s Non-domestic rates, also known as business rates, is a tax collected available resources. by local authorities and paid into a national ‘pool’ which the Capital and accounting reserves are technical accounting entries, government then shares back out to local authorities. the majority of which represent unrealised gains on the value of Charges, rents, adjustments and other income includes assets and the long term pensions liability, and are therefore not income from charging for services provided by the council, for available to finance the council’s spend. Actual receipts from the sale example, leisure centres and car parking, and adjustments such as of assets are available to finance the council’s spend. depreciation.

Questionnaire

This is the first time the council has published its summary of Please complete this questionnaire and return it to Carol Harrison accounts and details of its performance in this format and we would at: Financial Services, Isle of Wight Council, FREEPOST (SCE 13306) very much like to know what you think and how you feel it could be County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1UD. improved.

1 On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is not useful at all and 5 is very useful, Were there any aspects of the annual report which you did not please rate how useful you found the annual report. find useful?

What aspects of the summary did you find most useful?

How do you think we could improve this annual report next year?

✁

This summary of accounts is available on request in large print, in Braille, on audiotape and in other languages. For further details, please call the Isle of Wight Council on 821000. Island health services supplement

Local NHS celebrates a year of challenge, achievement and success

The new organisation created two years ago in Over the financial year 2007/2008 there have October 2006 which is responsible for all aspects been great improvements in all these services, which of the NHS on the Isle of Wight, has now published are dealt with in more detail elsewhere in this report. details of its first full financial year. In summary, waiting times for treatment are at NHS Isle of Wight – officially known as the Isle of their lowest ever, hospital infection rates are among Wight NHS Primary Care Trust – is unique in England. the lowest in the south, mental health and primary It is the only combined commissioner and provider of care services are rated highly by patients and local all NHS activity for its local population. people and our ambulance service continues to be The organisation is split into two arms. The the country’s top performer. commissioner has a wider core purpose to New drugs, treatments and equipment have improve the health of local people and cut health become available and despite fierce financial inequalities – the gap between the life expectancy pressures, we ended the year with a surplus of and incidence of ill health between the best and £1.25 million to take forward into 2008/2009 for worst off. As part of this role, it is there to ensure further investment in services. the health services Islanders and visitors need are in Elsewhere in this summary of our annual report for place, paid for and high quality. It also oversees the 2007/2008 you will find stories which highlight the work of family doctors, dentists, pharmacists and opticians and their achievements of the local NHS and some of its individual members of colleagues in primary care, as well as the ambulance and secondary staff. care services. We are now in 2008 and have recently celebrated the 60th The things that influence how healthy or otherwise we are, run anniversary of the NHS. It is worth reflecting just how far the NHS has deeper than the quality of local NHS services. They have far more to come in that time. Generally, people are living longer, healthier lives and do with income, the environment, housing, transport and standards of drugs and treatments that were unheard of in 1948 are now routinely education – all of which are outside of the direct control and influence available from the NHS. of the NHS. The local NHS has enjoyed a very successful first year in its new Therefore, we work hand-in-hand with those who have greater guise but the challenges ahead are considerable. ability to influence these factors such as the Island’s council, local The intention is to rise to these challenges and overcome them. businesses and the voluntary and community sector. The quality, dedication and passion of our staff means we are well The provider arm of the local NHS comprises local acute hospital equipped to deal with what lies ahead in partnership with our key services, mental health care, community services and therapies and strategic stakeholders – such as the council – patients, carers and the the ambulance service. most important stakeholder of all – the people of the Isle of Wight.

information and support, and funding and managing From here to maternity! services adequately. Maternity services on the Island have won plaudits Renewed efforts will be made to improve areas from an independent healthcare regulator. where the Island was below average. A full review of all maternity units was carried out by the Healthcare Commission in 2007 to check Help your local hospital whether or not they provide a high quality, value for money service. beat the bugs The answer that came back for Isle of Wight was The need for rigorous infection control measures an emphatic yes, and the Healthcare Commission was brought into sharp focus for the Island’s NHS rewarded the Island’s services with an overall last winter when outbreaks claimed five lives at St “excellent” rating. Mary’s Hospital. Its report shows that local maternity services In all, 45 people contracted Clostridium difficile scored above average in all three aspects (C.diff) infection and dozens more were laid low by investigated by the commission: ensuring safe the less serious but highly contagious Norovirus and effective maternity services, providing good bug.

October 2008 19 Island health services supplement

Special measures were put in place at the They assess the hospital environment hospital, including bringing as many C.diff against three categories – environment, patients as possible together in a ward food and privacy and dignity for patients – with isolation facilities under the care of a examining things such as cleanliness of wards, consultant who specialises in managing such bathrooms and other areas, food quality and cases. external areas. In addition, a comprehensive action plan They award ratings from unacceptable to has been approved containing a range of poor, acceptable, good and excellent. initiatives to prevent and control infections. The 2008 PEAT results show both St Mary’s These include several actions associated Hospital and the Whitelodge residential unit with cleanliness and hygiene, isolation and for people with severe learning disabilities, treatment of infected patients and careful both in Newport, received scores of “good” for management of antibiotics. the quality of environment and “excellent” in Despite these problems, the local NHS the other two categories. did extremely well in reducing the numbers This is a significant improvement on the of cases of MRSA, with only six cases at St 2007 results when St Mary’s received ratings Mary’s reported all year. of good in each category and Whitelodge • overall impressions and experiences. The Island’s chief nurse and director of good for environment and food and excellent In 21 of the 62 categories, the Isle of Wight infection prevention and control, Carol for privacy and dignity. NHS Primary Care Trust was among the best Alstrom, said: “The impact of having outbreaks performing 20 per cent of all NHS Trusts of two different infections at the same time Islanders give family across the country during 2007. was severe and led to tough restrictions being In 2006 the Island NHS was in the top 20 imposed on visiting. doctors top marks per cent of performers in only nine categories. “The real key to infection control is good Compared to the 2006 survey results, the personal hygiene and this seems to have hit The results of a national survey show that patients rate local primary care services Island NHS has improved in a total of 29 home with staff, patients and visitors alike categories during 2007. who acted on our appeal to use alcohol gel among the best in the country. The Healthcare Commission patient survey The Island NHS finds itself among the worst and thorough hand washing and, to a large performing 20 per cent of NHS Trusts in only extent, still do so.” for 2008 examines patients’ satisfaction with 35 aspects of services provided by family five categories compared with eight in 2006. doctors and dentists. Interim chief executive, Margaret Pratt, said: Hospital environment People were asked how they rated a wide “This is a very encouraging and positive set of gets the thumbs up range of indicators including how long they results from the people who know best from had to wait to see a GP, the quality of their personal experience what our services are like Hospitals on the Isle of Wight have been treatment, clarity of information, being – our patients.” given an emphatic stamp of approval for their treated with dignity and respect and being standards of environment. helped to live a healthier life. New name for Island Since 2000, all NHS hospitals are assessed Out of the 35 scores awarded, Isle of Wight annually by Patient Environment Action GPs were rated in the top performing 20 per health service cent nationally in 25 categories. Teams (PEATs). Hospitals undertake a self As a result of a national review of the future In three areas – information about side assessment against criteria set by the of the NHS, the Island’s service is hoping to effects of medicines, advice about weight and Department of Health and the National change its name. support for long-term conditions – the Island Patient Safety Agency following a visit by a Although our legal title will continue to NHS was rated best in the country. PEAT made up of a cross section of NHS staff, be the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust, patients and their representatives. subject to government approval, we will Local NHS delivering become more widely known and branded as NHS Isle of Wight. what matters most This change comes as a result of Lord Island patients have given their local NHS Darzi’s Next Stage Review of the NHS and a resounding thumbs-up in the National reflects the status of primary care trusts Inpatients Survey. as the leaders, or hub, of their local health The survey, now in its fifth year and system. produced by the independent Healthcare Commission, compares all NHS organisations New scanner means against a total of 62 specific areas related to: • admission to hospital; more Islanders can • the hospital and ward; be seen locally • doctors; • nurses; A new state-of-the-art MRI scanner has been • your care and treatment; installed at St Mary’s Hospital meaning fewer • operations and procedures; patients will need to travel to the mainland for • leaving hospital; advanced scans.

20 oneIsland The £1.1 million machine was bought which brings the two organisations together following a successful fund-raising appeal. in a decision making body which also includes Islanders chipped in with a staggering representative from a wide range of others £640,000, with £25,000 raised from the sale with an interest in, and influence over, the of the machine it replaces, and the local NHS things that affect health and wellbeing. making up the difference. These partners include the Island’s The machine is capable of working at Children’s Trust, the Prison Strategic twice the speed of its predecessor and can Partnership Board, specialist service providers, also perform advanced scans for detailed the private sector, voluntary and community examinations of blood vessels, more accurate groups, the Policy Commission for Care, Health assessment of cancers, whole body imaging and Housing, other NHS organisations in the and to show how well the brain functions south central area, local GPs and their teams, after a stroke. patients and local people. The scanner was craned into place in The new targets agreed within the LAA November 2007 and attracted interest from are each designed to make the Island a better HRH Princess Anne when the Princess Royal place to live and work. visited the hospital in April of this year. During her visit the Princess also visited the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit which has Island health service launched the Barely Born appeal to raise rises to challenge £700,000 needed to improve the unit. The first of those, two all-wheel drive rapid The aim is to provide a modern, spacious of prison health response vehicles (RRV), were delivered in unit next to the maternity department. February 2008. A further RRV has since The past year has seen considerable been delivered along with four front-line challenges in the commissioning and provision New vehicles for emergency ambulances and two high of health services for the Island’s three dependency vehicles. prisons. top performing As well as buying these nine replacement A review by an external expert and lead ambulance service vehicles, the service has also been able to nurses from the Island NHS concluded that refurbish five of its older ambulances. nurse staffing levels were too low and a A string of new ambulances has been handed Chris Smith, performance and resources better model for this service was needed. over to the Island’s top-performing ambulance manager for the Island’s ambulance service, As a result, responsibility for prisoners’ service. said: “We are the only ambulance service healthcare will transfer from the prisons to They are the only ambulance service in the in the country to get this level of incentive the local NHS. The Isle of Wight NHS Primary country to consistently exceed government funding from the government which is a Care Trust will provide general health services targets, including the challenging eight minute tremendous boost for us.” and a competitive tendering exercise will be response time from the time callers are put carried out to find the best supplier of primary through, to a vehicle arriving at the scene, in care services for prisoners. at least three quarters of all cases Partners aspire to A purpose built unit is to be established at The service also hit the target for non- be nation’s best Albany Prison for prisoners needing 24 hour urgent calls, recording a response within 19 nursing care and staff from the NHS and minutes in 97.9 per cent of cases against a The NHS on the Island is working hand-in- Prisons Service will continue to work closely target of 95 per cent. hand with partner organisations to become together. As a result, they were given a £600,000 recognised as one of the UK’s leading health boost from the government in 2007/2008 systems. to refurbish the fleet and buy replacement With these partners we have agreed a The doctor will see vehicles. strategic direction for the next few years you – anytime! together with a Local Area Agreement (LAA) which sets a range of targets for Plans have been unveiled to provide GP improvements across the full spectrum of services on the Island around the clock, 365 Island life. days a year. The local NHS aims to commission and A new GP-led health centre is set to be provide services which are locally valued, created in the Newport area to operate from clinically safe and financially sound. 1 April next year. Perhaps the most influential of our partners, It would be open between 8am and 8pm and the one we need to work closest with, is and operate urgent out-of-hours services at the Isle of Wight Council, and the Island NHS all other times. In addition, the centre will also has signed up to the Eco Island initiative. provide: The two organisations have signed a joint • walk-in primary care services; Memorandum of Understanding setting • bookable GP appointments to registered and out how we will work together. A key non-registered patients; development during 2007/2008 was the • the opportunity for patients to register with creation of a Health and Wellbeing Board the centre for all their primary care needs;

October 2008 21 Island health services supplement

• sexual health services including contraception and advice and cervical screening; Where and how your • some enhanced services such as blood tests, fitting of contraceptive devices, minor surgery and substance misuse services; money was spent • vaccines and immunisations; The NHS on the Isle of Wight spent more than £217 million • provision of preventative drugs for needle stick injuries and in the during 2007/2008, making it one of the Island’s largest event of meningitis outbreaks; financial concerns. • GP services for offenders; The large majority of our spending went on secondary care • support for the ambulance service in the event of a major incident. – mainly that provided from St Mary’s Hospital, Newport – If possible, the Island NHS would also like the new centre to provide which amounted to more than £163 million. lifestyle advice and well-person clinics, mental health assessments, The two diagrams below show where the money was spent some services for people with alcohol problems and services for both in broad terms (total spend) and more specifically on violent patients. particular services and costs: It is estimated that up to 5,000 people will become patients registered with the centre for all their primary care needs and it will provide around 15,000 patient contacts within three years of opening. Analysis of total spend (net of external income) Top national award for Island nurse Primary care £26.83m Island nurse Teresa Day has scooped a prestigious national award, Prescribing £21.64m becoming the Learning Disability Nurse of the Year in the Royal College of Nursing and Nursing Standard Nurse Awards 2008. Secondary care purchase Her award, which is sponsored by The Regard Partnership and £163.58m Choice Support, was presented by former MP and Health Minister Corporate functions £5.01m Edwina Currie in a gala awards night in London in March 2008. Teresa is a health promotion specialist for sexual health and learning disabilities and has been recognised for her pioneering and innovative work helping people with learning disabilities to understand and cope with issues around their sexuality. She has developed a system called SHIELD (Sexual Health Innovative Analysis of provider Education for Learning Disabilities) which provides a complete learning, spend (net of external teaching and support package for those who work with people with income) learning disabilities including health workers, teachers, social services Ambulance £6.81m staff, outreach staff, volunteers and clients themselves. In addition, a special SHIELD clinic is provided by appointment as and Capital costs £9.3m when required to provide clients with the usual full range of sexual Children, family and therapy health services. The clinic is available for appointments by calling services £13.87m 534202. Elective and surgical services £34.55m Record low waiting times Emergency and support Pharmacy £2.29m achieved for Islanders services £11.48m Corporate services and Estate costs £4.47m other £13.2m A drive to slash NHS waiting times on the Island has been an overwhelming success. Medicine and district Mental health and learning The government has introduced a nationwide target whereby 90 per nursing £16.16m disabilities £5.01m cent of inpatients and 95 per cent of outpatients are treated within a maximum of 18 weeks from the time they are referred by their GP. The NHS on the Island was among a small number of NHS The local NHS gets the vast majority of its money directly organisations that agreed to implement this target early. Instead of from the government in the form of a cash limited allocation meeting this challenge by December 2008, the Island did so by 1 April. and we are legally obliged to live within the limits of that This means that more than 19 out of 20 patients are seen within 18 allocation. weeks if they are treated on the Island. We do, however, receive some extra money from other The local NHS has also performed strongly against a range of other sources (net external income). These include other primary waiting time targets. During 2007/2008 98.4 per cent of patients care trusts paying for treatment their patients receive while waited no more than four hours at St Mary’s Accident and Emergency on the Island, income from catering and private patients and Department before being either admitted to a ward, transferred one-off extra cash allocations from the government. elsewhere or discharged. In 2007/2008 we were set a target of making a saving of Targets for cancer treatment were also met. Patients are meant to £1.25 million and despite increased demand placing great wait no more than a month from diagnosis to treatment and this was pressure on our finances, we managed to achieve that. This is achieved for 98.6 per cent of patients. money that is taken forward into 2008/2009 to be available to fund service improvements in the future.

22 oneIsland LY JU

SummerE 2008 ST Feature N GU JU U A Y Y LY UL UL JU J LY J JU

SummerNE ofUST success!NE UST G G JU U JU U A A

AY MBER Scores of events of all sizes and descriptions across the Island M TE Walking Festival madeBE the summer of 2008 one to remember and celebrate. BE P AY EM R Y AY EM R M T EL M T E E ST P NU P N U FromE the Big Green PicnicJ to the Isle of Wight Festival, and E U S G S JU ST S J U from the cycling festival to the Bestival, the summerGU of 2008 A U was a great example of how the people of theA Island can work together to bring pleasure to many and firmly put the Island on the map. You can see a full gallery plus reports of all the events that took place over the summer online at iwight.com E ST BE N AY GU AY EM R JU IsleM ofU Wight FestivalB M T A EM ER P T E P E S

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More than 20,000 people attended the 275 walks organised during the fortnight of the tenth annual AY MBER walking festival. A celebratory weekend is due to M TE take place from 24 to 27 October. P E The Big Green Picnic S

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how people can begin to lead more sustainable Olympic medallists and round-the-world racers joined forces with family

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A total of 963 entries experienced some world-class racing during BE the week and enjoyed an exciting and varied social scene off the AY EM R water in Cowes. Up to 40 races were held daily and in excess of M T 100,000 spectators visited throughout the week. P The largest mixed arts event to takeE place on the Island propelled S Garlic Festival Chale Show AY itselfM throughBER the streets of Ryde on 5 July. The annual arts M paradeTE brought colour and fun to the Victorian town providing all Pthe excitement and panache of a flamboyant Mardi Gras carnival E display.

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This year’s Garlic Festival mixed first-rate The 82nd Chale entertainment, fine arts and crafts and Show attracted

the cream of local produce to create an visitors from far

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the top Island location for summer musical spectaculars in July largest scooter event and to enjoy a bumper

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24 oneIsland Photographs by Steve Collins, Sarah Moss and Gavin Muncaster, except for the Walking Festival, the Big Green Picnic, Isle of Wight Festival and Cycling Festival LY JU

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BE AY EM R M T Bestival P E

S Mass flooding leading to a deluge of mud failed to dampen the spirits of upbeat Bestival-goers who partied on regardless. Amy Winehouse, Underworld, Will Young, The Human League and The Specials were among the acts who raised the spirits.

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October 2008 25 coast and country Our Island, our environment

before they are edible. The soft thick flesh can be made into jellies, preserves and pies. Blackberries, rose hips, haws, and sloes make up the autumn hedgerow harvest from the rose family. Sloes have not been so prolific this year, but the maroon haws and brighter red rose hips, together with other berries, will provide a feast for hungry wildlife in the weeks to come. Hops scramble through hedgerows, particularly where the soil is damp. The stems have tiny hooks In this ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’, that help them gain a hold and allow the leaves to Seasonal guide trees are heavy with apples and pears, but plums reach a sunny position. They can also climb up wires are less abundant this year. These are all plants in and festoon them with bunches of cone-shaped to wildlife in the rose family, which earlier in the year gave us fruits at this time of year. Hops contain aromatic oils the garden strawberries and cherries. Centuries ago, medlars and resins, and their heady scent has been likened Fallen leaves will be broken would have been on this list of familiar fruits, but to a combination of garlic, ripening apples and down by earthworms, and they are uncommon today. Occasionally planted, or yeast. They have been put to many uses, as the bitter replenish the soil. If you sometimes bird-sown, they produce fruits the size of flavouring in beer, as well as an appetite stimulant, remove leaves, put them in a small apple, brown with a dense covering of hairs, a mild pain killer and as a sedative – George III’s a pile in a sheltered spot and which need to be softened by frost action (or cooked) insomnia was reputedly cured by a hop pillow. a hibernating hedgehog may Anne Marston, assistant ecology officer make use of them.

What’s on: 10 October to 12 December

EXHIBITIONS trailersCanine Partners ACTIVITIES Puppy Training Open Art Exhibition Charity Antique Day (22 October) Training (9 October – 9 November) and Collectors’ Fair puppies to become Paintings by Brother (12 October) To raise assistance dogs for Duncan Smith, Quarr funds for the Isle of people with disabilities, Dean Friedman Abbey, Binstead, 10.30am Shorwell Village Hall, to 4.30pm. Wight branch of the will be Motor Neurone Disease 10.30am to 12.30pm, Sea Light and Association, in memory contact Carol Court, tel: perfoming his Landscape 07812 672702. of Mavis Summerfield, hits at the Quay (11 October – 15 at Northwood House, The Big Draw, Family November) Landscapes Cowes, 10.30am to 3pm, Portrait Arts, Newport and seascapes by Island stalls selling antiques and (23-25 October) Join the on 28 October artist Andrew Drummond, collectables. Ryde Social Heritage Quay Arts, Newport. Roman Voices Group for an opportunity RNLI Lunch and AGM costumes, floats and September and part- Hot Air (16 October Writing Competition to draw a family portrait (25 October) A lunch bands through the town’s time courses starting in – 1 December) A Prizegiving in historic surroundings, in aid of crew training, streets, finishing with January, view the college photographic exhibition Victorian clothes (18 October) Award Royal Yacht Squadron, fireworks, Sandown town and facilities, meet the inspired by inflated beach available, St Thomas’ goods, images by Janice ceremony and 12 noon for 12.30pm centre and esplanade, staff, 10am to 2pm, Isle of Church, Ryde, 10am to Thwaites and Tim Collard, announcement of (tickets £22.50), AGM at 6pm. Wight College, Newport. prizewinners by Alan 4pm, booking advised 2.30pm, talk by Andrew Quay Arts, Newport. Huge Hospice Quiz Titchmarsh, readings by for Thursday and Friday, Freemantle, chief DANCE Barbara Newman (6 November) Big fund the successful authors contact Carol Jaye, tel: executive RNLI. Painting Group and brief talk on recent 568957. raising quiz, to raise Jaleo Flamenco (18-19 October) excavations at the villa, Book Fair (1 November) money for Earl (23 October) Andalusian National Childbirth Exhibition at Yarmouth Brading Roman Villa, 4pm Small book, postcard Mountbatten Hospice, dance, song and guitar, Trust Nearly New Town Hall, 10am to 4pm, to 6pm. and ephemera fair, Newport, at Lower Hyde, Quay Arts, Newport, 7pm, Sale (25 October) Nearly all paintings by local Parish Centre, Town Shanklin, 6.45pm, to tickets £7/£6*. artists, and for sale. The Big Draw, The Art new sale in aid of the Lane, Newport, 10am to register teams (of four) of Remembrance trust charity, Wootton 3.30pm, admission 20p. contact Parlex, tel: LEAHS Evening Cowes Heritage (18-19 October) Join the Community Centre, 526535. (6 November) An evening Exhibition (18 October Ryde Social Heritage Brannon Way, Wootton, Sandown November of dance, physical theatre – 9 November) Group for sketching in 11.30am to 1.30pm, Carnival (5 November) Open Day at the Isle and sound expressing a Transport through the Ryde Cemetery, West admission £1, good A magical parade and of Wight College sensation of femininity, ages, Northwood House, Street, Ryde, 11am to quality second hand items celebrations featuring (15 November) For full- Quay Arts, Newport, 8pm, Cowes, 10am to 4pm, free 3pm, no need to book. for sale, tel: 862471. lanterns, spectacular time courses starting in tickets £6/£5*. admission.

26 oneIsland What’s on: 10 October to 12 December

trailers and others, for West Inspector Drake’s THEATRE Wight Arts Association, SHOWS Last Case (30 October Memorial Hall, Freshwater, Photo Show The Deep Blue Sea – 1 November) A classic 7.30pm, for tickets (1-2 November) Staged (17-18, 22, 25 October) whodunnit spoof, tel: 752278 (within a by Island Photo Centre, Pepperpot Players by David Tristram, fortnight of the event). at Ryde Castle Hotel, perform an emotive Newchurch Drama The Rick Harris Trio 10am to 5pm, companies drama by Terence Group, Community Hall, (14 November) Improvised attending include Nikon, Rattigan, Village Hall, Newchurch, 7.30pm. jazz and blues, Quay Arts, Olympus, Fuji and others, Whitwell (17-18 October), Sandcastles (30 Newport, 8pm, tickets entrance is free. Village Hall, Niton (22, 25 October – 1 November) £10/£9*. October), 7.45pm. Curtain Up Amateur Ensemble Champagne TALKS The Secret Agent Dramatic Society Evening Concert presents a light-hearted Catholicism in (21 October) Conrad’s epic (15 November) Light play, Quay Arts, Newport, play by Bob and Trish Victorian Ryde classical music concert, St 8pm, tickets £10/£9*. Larby, Totland Church Hall, Mary’s Church, Brading, (11 October) A talk by 7.30pm, tickets £5. 7pm, tickets £6, from Peter Clarke following Black Widow (23-25 Jack and the Beanstalk will Brading Centre, tel: Ryde Social Heritage October, 30 October Variety Concert (1 November) Music and be performed at Quay Arts, 401770, and Brading Post Group AGM, George Street – 1 November) Trinity Office. Centre, Ryde, 10.30am, all Theatre, Cowes presents comedy to suit all tastes, St Boniface Church, Newport on 10 December welcome, free to group the Edwardian ghostly Alex Roberts Bonchurch, 7.30pm. (15 November) members, guests £2. thriller, 7.30pm, tickets Brading Craft and Gift Freshwater, 7.30pm, £5/£6, available from the Puck’s Bottom Memorable love songs, History of Ryde Pubs Fayre retiring collection. Quay Arts, Newport, 8pm, box office (open 11am to (9 November) Wild (29 October) Handmade (25 October) 2pm daily, not Sunday, Adriano Adewale tickets £7/£6*. Wood Theatre Company crafts and gifts for sale, Illustrated talk by Tony (18 October) A global from 17 October), tel: presents an enchanting St Mary’s Church Hall, The Truth About Love Gale, Holy Trinity Church, 295229. puppetry tale for children fusion of musical (20 November) Brading, 10am to 3.30pm, Ryde, 7.30pm. and families, Nettlestone influences by an Helen Porter and Pete Pathway to the Red admission free. Primary School, 3pm, outstanding ensemble, Rosser perform songs The Achievements of Sun (25 October) Rogue tickets £6 and £4, tickets Quay Arts, Newport, 8pm, from the 1930s and IK Brunel Theatre presents a MUSIC from the school in person. tickets £10/£9*. 1940s, Quay Arts, (5 November) A talk fantasy action thriller to the Isle of Wight Susan Flannery and Dean Friedman Newport, 8pm, tickets inspired by Madam Jack and the branch of the Historical Michael Lunts ‘Home (28 October) Chart- £12/£11*. Butterfly, Ventnor Beanstalk Service’ topping songwriter Louis de Bernieres Association by Professor Baptist Church, 7.30pm, (10 December) Traditional (17-18 October) Music and performs songs old and Words and Music Angus Buchanan, at the tickets £6, from arts fun for all the family, Quay humour of the Second new, Quay Arts, Newport, (21 November) Poetry Parish Centre, Town Lane, unit, tel: 823813, and the Arts, Newport, 6.30pm, World War, Brading Town 8pm, tickets £16/£15*. and classical/traditional Newport, 7.30pm. Ventnorian. tickets £7/£6*. Hall (17 October, 7pm, music with the well- * Quay Arts box office, tel: 822490, www.quayarts.org tickets £6 from Brading Clive Gregson known writer, with Centre, tel: 401770, and (1 November) A flautist and keyboard Brading Post Office), songwriter who has player Ilone Antonius- Trailers Brighstone Wilberforce worked with Eddi Reader, Jones, Brading Roman Hall (18 October, 7.30pm, Quay Arts, Newport, 8pm, Villa, 7pm, tickets £7, tel: These listings are provided free, as a public information service. Details must tickets £7, tel: 740295, tickets £12*. 406223. be submitted either by: filling out this form, or emailing your details and Brighstone Post Frances Mason and to [email protected] Office). Undercliff Singers Tim Sidford (25 November) Please conform to the format shown. Entries are included at the editorial Scottish Fiddlers (8 November) Violinist A concert to raise funds team’s discretion. (18 October) An evening Frances Mason and for the Island group of of Scottish music for St pianist Tim Sidford Riding for the Disabled, Deadline for the next issue: 3 November (28 November Agnes centenary appeal, perform compositions St Catherine’s Church, publication date). at All Saints’ Church, by Schubert, Bach Ventnor, 7.30pm. Title of event/activity: Advertisement Date: Buy your family a new Brief description: AGA Cooker

Better food, a warm kitchen and happy meal times Venue: It’s our 40th birthday! Why not drive in and see us ? So there is 40% off Time: selected items in our Also Bathrooms, Calor Gas and Bathroon Showrooms Contact name: Heating and Plumbing Supplies each month Telephone: 523041 Please return to: 28 Daish Way Newport ( off the St Mary’s Roundabout ) Trailers, One Island, Publications Unit, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1UD or email to [email protected] no later than 3 November

October 2008 27 SCHOOL PLACES Don’t miss the deadline

If you are applying for a school place for your child for September 2009, you must do so by 4.30pm Friday 28 November 2008 Don’t forget you can now apply online at www.eduwight.iow.gov.uk/admissions For help or advice, please call 823455, or email [email protected]