News and reports

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.

Looking after mental health is important for everyone, but men can face extra barriers when seeking support. This guide highlights local services, groups, and charities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough that provide safe spaces for men to talk, connect, and improve wellbeing. From peer support groups, to creative sessions and parenting-focused support, there are opportunities for men to find community and care. The guide also includes local mental health charities, online resources, and practical tips for getting started, helping men take the first step towards better mental health.

Access to NHS dental care is becoming increasingly difficult across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, reflecting a wider national crisis. Many local residents struggle to find practices accepting new patients, face long waiting times, or are forced to turn to private care. Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is raising the alarm on the impact this is having on people’s health and wellbeing, highlighting the urgent need for action and giving local voices a platform to be heard.

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough recently worked with local residents to help improve policing for people with autism, other neurodiverse conditions, and their carers. This first-of-its-kind event gave participants the opportunity to share their experiences and provide feedback on how police officers interact with disabled members of the public.

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.

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough welcomes the government’s announcement of changes to the GP contract, which will see £300 million of existing NHS funding redirected to GP practices.

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.

The Government has published its National Cancer Plan for England, outlining a decade-long strategy to improve cancer outcomes through faster diagnosis, quicker treatment, and better support for patients. Key commitments include meeting all NHS cancer waiting time standards by 2029, expanding robot-assisted surgery, and improving screening and HPV vaccination programs. Healthwatch welcomes the focus on NHS administration, which reflects our findings on how system inefficiencies can impact patient experience. We will be monitoring local implementation in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to ensure the plan delivers real improvements for patients, carers, and communities.

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.