Great community healthcare is being promised on the Isle of Wight, after the Island's NHS Trust formed another partnership.

The cross-Solent link will help Islanders remain in their own homes.

Solent NHS Trust, which covers Southampton, Portsmouth and areas of Hampshire is being described as the 'final partner' of the Isle of Wight NHS Trust in supporting the delivery of healthcare services.

The Solent trust is already providing mental health and learning disabilities services on the Island and will add community health to its remit.

The two trusts will look to improve the quality of care patients receive and patient outcomes by helping more people to remain safe and well in their own home wherever possible.

Maggie Oldham, chief executive at the IW NHS Trust, said: "We are really excited about the benefits of this partnership and what the future holds.

"Solent will bring valuable support in our transformation journey to deliver the IW Health and Care Plan and we look forward to working together as we continue to make the Island the place to receive great community healthcare.”

Andrew Strevens, acting chief executive at Solent NHS Trust, said: "We are excited to be building on our partnership work with the IOW NHS Trust, sharing best practice and learning for the benefit of all residents on the Island and across the wider Solent region.

"We believe passionately in a ‘Home First’ approach which prioritises patient outcomes and experience and keeps people at, or close to, home with their families and loved ones.

"Solent is committed to supporting Isle of Wight health care, and are looking forward to working with staff and people in the local community."

Other flagship partnerships for the IW NHS Trust include Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust for acute services and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust for the Island's ambulance service.