Healthwatch England analyses the condition of NHS buildings
News - 31 July 2024
Healthwatch England has recently published a blog which analyses the condition of NHS premises across the country.
The analysis highlights people's experiences of the NHS estate, such as hospitals, A&E waiting rooms, and parking facilities, gathered from local Healthwatch, including Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Our research that is referred to in the blog can be found in our report 'The future of urgent and emergency care at Addenbrooke’s' which was published in August 2022.
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our former Chair, Stewart Francis, passed away on Boxing Day at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.
Stewart stepped away from his role as Chair of Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in early 2025 due to health reasons. His decision was taken with characteristic thoughtfulness and integrity, always placing the needs of the organisation and the people it serves first.
During his time with Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Stewart was a deeply respected and valued leader. He brought clarity, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose to the role, championing the importance of listening to people’s experiences of health and care services and ensuring those voices were heard where it mattered most.
Stewart was known for his calm and considered approach, his commitment to good governance, and his unwavering belief in the value of community voice. He supported staff and volunteers alike, encouraging challenge, collaboration, and integrity in all that we did.
We are immensely grateful for the time, energy, and wisdom Stewart gave to Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. His contribution has left a lasting legacy, and he will be remembered with great respect and affection by all who had the privilege of working with him.
Our thoughts are with Stewart’s family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.
NHS England has published new national principles to improve how chaperones are offered during intimate examinations. Following findings from our 2024 cervical screening project, this guidance is a welcome step towards greater clarity, consistency and patient choice. Find out what the new principles mean for patients, and why clear communication and accessible policies matter.
Winter bugs and viruses are usually mild, but can sometimes become more serious, particularly in younger children or if an infection spreads to a vulnerable family member. It can be hard to know what to do when your baby/child is ill and when you can manage this at home or need to see a doctor or nurse for more help. These pages give you information about some common childhood illnesses and how to look after your child when they feel poorly with a common illness.
