News and reports

Healthwatch teams in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk are asking people to share their views on how their data is used and shared by the NHS. Share your views by the 12th May! *Survey now closed*

Healthwatch England are asking about your experience of referral for specialist treatment. Has your GP referred you for an assessment or treatment at a hospital or community clinic? Share your story.

Are you looking for information about vaping? Perhaps you would like to understand more about the risks? We’ve put together a handy guide of local and national resources that offer support - from understanding the triggers to finding help to quit.

This week we are supporting the Share for Better Care campaign. Take three minutes to share your experience of health and social care!

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found improvements are needed following an inspection of the mental health crisis services and health-based places of safety run by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust. As part of the assessment process conducted by the CQC, Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s CEO, Jess Slater, was invited to be interviewed.

This week Jess Slater, CEO of Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, was interviewed by BBC Look East as part of an on-going focus on the importance of attending life-saving cervical screenings.

We are pleased to present the findings of our Digital Enablers Survey, conducted on behalf of the NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, which captured valuable feedback from the community on the future of digital access to health and care services.

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and ideas. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping how digital tools can better support people across our area. The responses from this survey will help inform the procurement specification, which will guide the next steps in developing a new digital front door.

We appreciate all your contributions.

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have published a report into the services provided at the Sue Ryder Hospice, Thorpe Hall, Peterborough.

The visit took place on the 25th November 2024.

The purpose of these visits was to talk to patients and gain a greater understanding of their experiences of the services that the clinics provide, identify what is working well and what improvements could be made.

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is excited about the government’s latest announcement on hospital development, which includes significant projects for the region. Hinchingbrooke Hospital and the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital have been prioritised under Wave One of the New Hospital Programme, with construction scheduled to begin between 2025 and 2030.

The redevelopment of Hinchingbrooke Hospital will address critical infrastructure needs, enhancing safety and capacity for the local community. Meanwhile, the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, part of the Addenbrooke’s site, will integrate cutting edge research with patient care, offering new hope in the fight against cancer.

The health secretary, also highlighted the urgency of rebuilding the seven RAAC hospitals, which include Hinchingbrooke Hospital, to protect patient safety. These hospitals, alongside other priority projects like the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, will lead the first wave of construction.

Jonathan Jelley, MBE, JP, Acting Chair of Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to see tangible progress on these hospital projects in our region. These investments reflect a genuine commitment to improving healthcare for our communities. Healthwatch will continue to collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure that these developments meet the needs of our residents."

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough remains dedicated to monitoring these projects and advocating for transparent communication with the public. We encourage residents to share their views on healthcare services to help shape the future of local health infrastructure.

Our January Board meeting will include the Chairs and CEO's updates on our activity since Septembers meeting as well as the annual report on our Volunteering activity provided by Caroline Tyrrell-Jones, Head of Operations.

Youthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has released its 2024 Vaping Report, highlighting critical insights into vaping trends among young people. This research reflects the perspectives, behaviours, and concerns of local youth, providing a understanding of the growing prevalence of vaping in the region.

The report is the result of engagement, including surveys and focus groups conducted with young people aged 11-25. It uncovers key findings, such as the fact that 66% of young people had their first vaping experience between ages 13-16, with single-use vapes being the most popular choice. Alarmingly, 92% of respondents believe vaping is harmful to health, and 93% recognise its environmental impact, particularly the challenges of recycling disposable vapes.

Youthwatch members have also issued strong recommendations, including introducing early preventative education, enhancing recycling awareness, and providing targeted cessation support for young people already vaping. The report emphasises the role of peer pressure, social trends, and stress relief as significant motivators for vaping.

This report sheds light on a pressing public health issue, empowering local authorities, schools, and health services to take informed action and support the well-being of young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Minutes from the meetings of the Carers' Partnership Board April 2025 to March 2026 will be published here once the meetings have taken place.

Forthcoming dates for Carers Partnership Board meetings 2025: 13th May, 8th July, 9th September, 11th November.