Community PODs in Ryde and Freshwater are a new pilot project to provide better access to healthcare appointments.

Nationally funded, they are located at West Wight Sports and Community Centre and Aspire Ryde.

They are currently being used to assess Islanders waiting for a surgical procedure.

Nicola Longson, Isle of Wight NHS Trust director of operations for community services said: "We wanted to do something innovative which supports the health care system across the Island and also improves the experience for people using health services. 

"Since March we have been testing the suitability of the PODS for health care services, starting with pre-hab assessments, and they are working really well."

The plan is to add a third POD, in the South Wight area.

The Community Pre-habilitation Service was set up as part of the local NHS Covid-19 recovery plan, to make sure patients are ready for an operation and to help reduce preventable delays and cancellations.

Alison Spearman, Community Pre-hab team lead, said: "People can meet with a healthcare professional, in a relaxed and less clinical environment and have access to a computer, should they need online support.

"We hope people will find the PODS a great asset to their local community and a comfortable place to attend a whole range of different health care appointments."

Steve Johnson, director of community and partnership at Aspire Ryde, said: "The NHS Community POD is a real asset as it allows residents to engage with multiple agencies at a local level, in the heart of our community."