Fenland Health and Care Forum – What you missed

Fenland and East Cambs Health and Care Forum – 10 July – Summary Report

Key Updates & Discussion:

Supporting people at the end of life

We heard from the CPFT Community Butterfly Volunteering service, which launched in Peterborough in January and is now expanding to Huntingdon and the Fens.

This volunteer-led service offers befriending support to people in the last year of life who are living alone or with one other person. Volunteers visit for two hours a week to provide companionship and emotional support.

Updates from Queen Elizabeth Hospital

There was an update on services at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), including a chance for local people to ask questions about care at North Cambs Hospital. Concerns were raised about the lack of CT and MRI scanning facilities at both North Cambs and Doddington hospitals. QEH representatives explained that current equipment is outdated and in need of replacement.

A public event about the new QEH rebuild was held on Wednesday 16 July at 6pm. 

Local research and patient feedback

The NIHR research team spoke about studies taking place in local GP surgeries, particularly at Trinity Practice.

We also heard from members of local Patient Participation Groups (PPGs), who shared feedback and personal experiences:

• Repeated vaccination letters – One person told us they continue to receive vaccine invitation letters despite asking to be removed from mailing lists. They raised concerns about confusion between NHS databases and a lack of joined-up information.
• Accessibility issues – A resident shared that when receiving NHS letters electronically, they need to request large print versions separately from each department. When they asked if their need for accessible information was flagged on their record, staff were unsure.
• A&E experience at QEH – Another person told us they were left on a trolley overnight without a pillow in QEH A&E. They discharged themselves the next morning due to the lack of basic comfort.