News and reports

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Youthwatch team recently brought together young people with lived experience of autism and local healthcare professionals to explore the barriers faced in GP services. Through powerful first-hand accounts and open discussion, the workshop highlighted key challenges, from communication difficulties to sensory environments, and identified simple, practical changes that could make a real difference. Read more about the insights shared and the commitments made to improve primary care for autistic patients.

What does the future look like for patient voice in health and care? A new report from The King’s Fund explores the impact of Healthwatch, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what comes next. Read more and share your views on how your voice should be heard.

What does health and social care really feel like in 2026? A new report from Healthwatch England reveals the realities behind the statistics, highlighting ongoing access issues, inequalities, and the growing risk of a two-tier system. Read more to understand the challenges and what needs to change.

Have you, or someone you care for, received ambulance care following a fall? Your experiences could help improve how ambulance services respond to falls, making a real difference for patients and carers in the future.

People are struggling to find the right information and are receiving care that’s not culturally appropriate.

NHS England has launched the “Tap it, type it and we’ll take care of it” campaign to encourage patients to contact their GP using secure online forms. While this can offer greater convenience and flexibility, it may not suit everyone. Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is helping residents understand their options and inviting people to share their experiences of digital GP access.

NHS England’s latest Community Mental Health Survey 2024: National Qualitative Report shares patients’ experiences, highlighting what’s working well and where services could improve. Find out the key themes and insights from this national report.

Long waits, corridor care, and the emotional toll on patients in A&E, our latest insight shows the serious challenges people face when urgent care is stretched to the limit.

Have you or a loved one experienced this in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough? Your voice can help make a difference.

A new Healthwatch England report, Recognising ADHD: How to improve support for people who need it, reveals the growing challenges adults face in getting assessed and supported for ADHD. It highlights long waits, limited access to services, and the serious impacts ADHD can have on people’s daily lives – particularly for those who are undiagnosed or awaiting assessment.

Healthwatch England has recently published their response to the updated Accessible Information Standard (AIS), a key initiative designed to ensure that health and care services communicate effectively with people who have communication needs or disabilities.

If you're looking for something relaxing, creative, or just a bit different to do, we recommend checking out Arthur’s Shed – a hidden gem of free wellbeing workshops in Cambridge.

A consultation event was held on 16th October 2024 with members of our Partnership Boards. This provided an opportunity for people’s experiences of housing adaptations to be shared, resulting in valuable feedback that informed amendments incorporated into the proposed policy.