1. Making GP websites clearer for patients

    News -

    A new information checklist has been developed by our Healthwatch volunteers to help GP surgeries make their websites clear and accessible for patients.

  2. Stay patient for the vaccine urges CEO Sandie

    News -

    The Covid-19 vaccines are here and rolling out across our area. But please stay patient, our Healthwatch CEO Sandie Smith told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire listeners this week.

  3. Temporary closure for Wisbech MIU

    News -

    Wisbech Minor Injury Unit is to close temporarily on Monday - 18 January 2021 - so that staff can take on new vital roles in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

  4. Remembering the HIV and AIDS crisis

    Blog -

    February is the month where the UK celebrates the history of LGBT people and their achievements.
    So, for those who don’t know me, I’m Graham, the Partnership Development Manager here at Healthwatch. I’m also Gay.

  5. NHS under pressure

    News -

    Many NHS staff are about to start their second year on the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic. And lots of local people have told us how hard they are finding the current lockdown.

  6. Health and care for the LGBTQ+ community

    Advice and Information -

    This article highlights some of the health issues – and inequalities – facing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning plus (LGBTQ+) community.

  7. Following my dreams - and becoming a mum

    Blog -

    In this personal blog for LGBTQ+ History Month, our Healthwatch CEO, Sandie Smith, reflects on the road to parenthood – and the joy of being a mum.

  8. Celebrating NHS staff achievements with HUC

    News -

    Healthwatch Chair Val was delighted to be one of this year's judges at the recent HUC staff awards - celebrating the achievements of staff and teams within our local NHS 111 and out of hours' GP service provider.

  9. Vaccinations for people with learning disabilities

    News -

    People with learning disabilities in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are now getting their Covid-19 vaccinations.

  10. Helping to tackle vaccine hesitancy

    News -

    Our Engagement Officer Rebwar has been helping to get Covid-19 vaccination, testing and self-isolation information out to communities in Peterborough and Fenland.

  11. Eight ... and counting

    Blog -

    Our Healthwatch is eight years old this month. Here, CEO Sandie Smith reflects on a unique 12 months. And thanks everyone who has supported us and shared their experiences to help us learn from the pandemic.

  12. Autistic Voices report will help shape new autism strategy for our area

    News -

    Our new report highlighting the health and care experiences of autistic people from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is published today.

  13. Autistic Voices Report captures local people's lived experiences

    Report -

    Autistic Voices, our new report about the health and care experiences of autistic people from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, is published today.

  14. Are you on a hospital waiting list?

    News -

    It’s an anxious, unsettling and frustrating time for many local people who are having to wait for non-urgent treatments and procedures as well as appointments and tests.

  15. Making it easier for Deaf people to share their views

    News -

    Today, as part of Deaf Awareness Week, we have launched our new British Sign Language survey to help Deaf people share their views on health and social care services locally.

  16. Why ReSPECT matters in decisions near the end of life

    News -

    The local NHS has responded to a letter from us promising improvements to end of life care for people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

  17. Healthwatch conference looks at tackling health inequalities - book now

    News -

    Bookings are now open for 'On equal terms" our Healthwatch Conference and AGM, in July. The spotlight will be on the issue of health inequalities and looking at how people can be better involved in developing services that work well for everyone.

  18. Sandie praises local NHS efforts to tackle Covid backlog

    News -

    Healthcare staff across our area have been praised by our CEO Sandie Smith for their hard work in helping to tackle the Covid-caused backlog of patients needing care.

  19. Data sharing of GP patient records

    News -

    National plans to share GP patient records for planning and research have been shelved until 1 September.

  20. Carers Partnership Board Minutes April 2021 to March 2022

    Report -

    Read the minutes from the meetings of the Carers' Partnership Board from the last year.

  21. Physical Disability Partnership Board Minutes April 2021 to March 2022

    Report -

    Read the minutes from Physical Disability Partnership Board over the last year.

  22. Covid safety measures stay in place at healthcare settings

    News -

    Anyone using or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering and stick to social distancing rules.

  23. Your views help make changes across the country

    News -

    The views of people in Cambridgeshire have helped make national change to health and care across England.

  24. Improving GP websites – our reports spark action

    News -

    Over the last year, we’ve been pressing for improvements to GP websites to make them easier for patients to access and find essential information. And at our November Board Meeting we heard action is being taken by our Clinical Commissioning Group.

  25. What to expect when waiting for care

    Advice and Information -

    Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be a frustrating time. That’s why it’s so important that while you wait, you get regular, clear and accessible updates so that you can plan your next steps.

  26. Problems getting a Covid-19 booster vaccine tops latest Health and Care Forum

    News -

    Covid-19 booster vaccines and Shared Care Records were two of the big topics of conversation at last week’s Cambridge and South Cambs Health and Care Forum.

  27. QE Hospital update at Fenland and East Cambs Forum

    News -

    New facilities will open at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn early next year. And there could be an announcement on new hospital funding in January.

  28. Christmas wishes to all our communities and our NHS and care teams

    Blog -

    We would like to wish all of our supporters a very happy Christmas.

  29. New Cambridge hospital will find and treat cancer differently hears health and care forum

    News -

    The new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, the safety of patients waiting for treatment and A&E and outpatient delays at Addenbrooke’s were part of the conversation at Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire Health and Care Forum this month.

  30. What you've been telling us about local services

    News -

    Care from your GP surgery, difficulties finding an NHS dentist and waits for hospital appointments are amongst the top experiences you've been sharing with us over the last three months.

  31. Your care, your way – Join Healthwatch’s new campaign

    News -

    Clear, understandable information is important to help you make the right health and care decisions. Join our campaign and have your say on what needs to change.

  32. Laura champions our campaign to improve information for disabled people

    News -

    If you have a disability, impairment or sensory loss, the Accessible Information Standard gives you a right to health and care information in the way you need it – as well as communications support at appointments.

  33. Have your say on local services at Healthwatch's Annual Health and Care Summit

    News -

    Championing Access - this year the spotlight is on equal access to health and care services and on the big changes to how services are working.

  34. Care this Bank Holiday Weekend

    News -

    Some routine appointments are being postponed this Bank Holiday Monday due to the funeral of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - but you will be contacted in advance if your care is going to be affected.

  35. Cost of living help - support for our communities

    Advice and Information -

    The rising cost of living risks many being unable to afford essentials to maintain their health. Find out what support is available in Cambridgeshire to help you and your family.

  36. Partnership Boards success over cost-of-living and ability to pay for care

    Advice and Information -

    Rising energy and food bills have been the main focus of the cost-of-living crisis. However, people’s ability to pay their assessed contributions to councils towards their care and support costs has also been affected by the current situation.

  37. Tackling Health Inequalities - our second Health Champions report

    Report -

    Our ‘Tackling Health Inequalities’ report shares the findings of a series of workshops conducted by our Health Champion volunteers.

  38. Healthwatch volunteers investigate health inequalities across Cambridgeshire in latest report

    News -

    Research conducted by a group of our Healthwatch volunteers, known as Health Champions, has helped us deliver a report into health inequalities affecting people locally.

  39. Accessible Information Standard – a push for progress

    News -

    Healthwatch England is urging NHS England to make progress in its review of the Accessible Information Standard and ensure that all Trusts across the country comply with its legally-binding requirements.