News and reports

NHS England has set out new clinical standards aimed at improving maternity safety, strengthening early risk detection, and reducing avoidable harm.

From faster responses to complications to more consistent mental health screening and improved digital records, the changes could have a real impact on care across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

But the key question is: how will they be delivered locally, and will families actually feel the difference?

Read on to find out what’s changing and what it means for our area.

Patient Experience Week is nearly here (27 April – 1 May), and our team will be out and about across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough visiting hospitals, GP practices, and community locations to hear directly from patients, carers, and visitors. From Peterborough to Cambridge, Huntingdon to Wisbech, you’ll be able to find us in a range of settings throughout the week, so if you see us, please come and say hello and share your experiences.

A new NHS initiative, Jess’s Rule, aims to improve patient safety by encouraging clinicians to take a fresh look when symptoms persist or go unexplained. Find out what this means for you, why it’s been introduced, and how it could help ensure earlier diagnosis and better care.

A new Healthwatch England blog highlights what survivors of domestic abuse have told us about their experiences of NHS care, revealing important insights into how services respond when people seek help. The findings show that while some people receive supportive care, others face gaps in identification, understanding, and trauma-informed support. Read more about what this means for health services and why it matters for ensuring safer, more responsive care for everyone.

Planned NHS strike action across England may affect services this April, but patients are being urged not to delay seeking care. We explain what’s happening, what it means for you, and why sharing your experience can help improve local health services.

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.

The NHS App can save you time and put you in control of your healthcare, but where do you start? Our step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know.

From your first appointment to postnatal support, find out how NHS maternity services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can support you every step of the way.

Using a mobility scooter or power wheelchair in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough? Staying safe doesn’t have to be complicated. From tips on speed, navigating uneven pavements, and training options, to insurance advice and local support, our guide brings everything together in one place. Discover how to stay confident, in control, and connected and find out where to buy or hire the right equipment locally.

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.

A recent meningitis outbreak in Kent is a reminder to stay alert. Meningococcal disease can develop quickly and be life-threatening, but early recognition and treatment save lives. Learn the key symptoms, what to do if you or someone else is unwell, and how vaccination can help protect you.