A summit has highlighted "stark disparities" in health outcomes in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough welcomed around 150 people to their summit on tackling health inequalities on Wednesday, October 2.

The attendees, a mix of the public and healthcare professionals, were addressed by keynote speakers, participated in focused workshops, and engaged in a Q&A session with a panel of experts.

CEO Jess Slater described the event as a "call to action" to ensure "people, and their voices, are put at the heart of any decisions, changes, or developments in health services."

The event kicked off with Liz Owen sharing her lived experience of the barriers she faces as a wheelchair user trying to access healthcare.

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Following her story, Jan Thomas, CEO of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care Board, advocated for "the dial to be shifted around improving access for patients," noting that collective responsibility would be crucial to achieve this.

Dr John Ford, director of the Health Equity Evidence Centre, then explained the need for a positive vision of equitable healthcare.

He stressed the importance of community involvement in shaping services and reallocation of NHS resources based on need.

Throughout the day, the delegates participated in workshops focusing on health inequalities affecting various groups.

The challenges faced by those in deprived areas of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough were acknowledged.

The summit concluded with an address from Dr Nik Johnson, mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, who urged for collaboration among local politicians, healthcare providers, and communities.

Stewart Francis, chair of Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, who hosted the event, said: “It’s important that all of us ensure that those who are experiencing health inequalities are not left behind as we go through another period of change in healthcare policy direction.”

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough plans to produce a report on its findings later this month.