News and reports

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.

The Government has opened a consultation on the creation of a new national NHS trust, NHS Online, and local Healthwatch are playing a key role. Our webinar and discussions have already highlighted important issues like patient access, digital inclusion, workforce flexibility, and safe care. Find out how your voice can help shape this new service and see the full themes and responses.

New government priorities for adult social care have been published, but what do they really mean for people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough?

From independence and choice to workforce pressures and joined-up care, we take a closer look at the Adult Social Care Priorities for Local Authorities 2026–27 and explain what could change, what should stay the same, and why listening to people’s experiences matters more than ever.

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.

The Government has announced new measures to improve access to urgent NHS dental care, but serious questions remain about whether they will deliver lasting change. With no clear data on progress and ongoing reports of people struggling to access care, Healthwatch is calling for transparency and fundamental reform to rebuild public confidence in NHS dentistry.

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.

England has launched its first Men’s Health Strategy, aiming to improve physical and mental health for men and boys. Find out how Healthwatch has helped shape the plan and what it means for local communities.

Find out what the Autumn Budget 2025 means for people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, including changes to NHS costs, new investment in technology and our concerns about the lack of action on social care.

At Healthwatch, we know how important it is for people to have clear, accessible information when making decisions about care and support. That’s why we’re sharing the Peterborough Guide to Independent Living, a useful resource created by Peterborough City Council to help residents stay independent, safe and well.

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.