This work will inform the next stages of the project, including preparation and then submission of our Full Business Case.
Colleagues from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (CUH), Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Trust (CPFT) and the University of Cambridge joined members of the Cambridge Children’s project team to explore how the new hospital might positively or negatively impact people who have protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, or those experiencing health inequalities. Workshops also took place with the Youth and Young Adult Forums, and the Parent Carer Voice, ensuring a broad spectrum of views.
The feedback gathered from these sessions will inform the project’s Equalities and Health Inequalities Impact Assessment and ensure it meets the Public Sector Equality Duty, which is part of the Equality Act 2010. In the submission of its Full Business Case, the project must demonstrate that it has considered the impact of Cambridge Children’s Hospital on the various groups.
Catriona Cole, Workforce Lead for the project, said the work is fundamental to how we're thinking about the new hospital.
We are incredibly mindful of the health inequalities and potential discrimination that a number of groups face and want to make sure we are doing all we can to reduce these, and to reduce or minimise any additional barriers that the new hospital might inadvertently create. Hearing from a range of colleagues, young people, parents and carers, has helped us identify impacts, both positive and negative, of the Children’s Hospital, and we can now make sure that informs the next stages of the project.
Catriona Cole, Workforce Lead
There are nine protected characteristic groups, which are protected by law, as well as ten health inequalities groups who may face additional barriers to healthcare.
The Full Business Case will be submitted to Government this Autumn. Construction on the new hospital is expected to start in 2027.