Monthly Report for August 2026

Summer Hospital Visits

Over the summer recess, I have made the most of being back in the constituency to catch up with local health providers, raising individual constituent issues and hearing updates on how trusts are working to improve care.

At Hinchingbrooke, I attended a briefing about the crucial redevelopment of the site due to the presence of RAAC (or ‘crumbly’) concrete throughout. The new hospital plans mean that every inpatient will have their own room – improving infection control, privacy and dignity for patients. It is important, however, that patients still feel connected, safe and looked after in their rooms. Hinchingbrooke are encouraging the public to help shape plans by submitting views through their online survey: www.hinchingbrookehospital.commonplace.is

Sustainability has been central to the design, with ground source heat pumps and a new staff accommodation wing which is being built to entirely zero-carbon standards. Around 700 building contractor staff will deliver the project, and I was pleased to see strong local training and apprenticeship opportunities built in as it progresses. Planning determination is expected in May 2027, and I will keep residents updated on timelines.At the Royal Papworth, I met with the hospital’s Chief Executive to learn more about the Trust’s work to support skills development and employment opportunities for young people through work experience and outreach programmes. I was pleased to hear that the Trust is alive to issues with representation in STEM-related careers and is looking at ways to make the research and healthcare sectors more inclusive.

At Fulbourn, I toured both the Willow Ward, for over 65s experiencing acute mental health problems, and Mulberry Ward, for more general acute mental health crises. It was clear to me from speaking with staff how much dedication and expertise goes into supporting some of the most vulnerable people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, often in very difficult circumstances. The Trust also shared some of the changes already underway following its recent warning that services needed to improve. The warning was a serious one, and while it’s encouraging to hear about the work happening on the ground, I’ll continue to hold the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Trust (CPFT) to account and expect to see that progress reflected in outcomes for patients.

Surgery Appointments

I have enjoyed holding informal, pop-up surgeries across the constituency this summer – including at Papworth Printworks. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come and speak with me.

Each week I hold both in-person and online surgeries to speak directly to constituents about their issues. If you feel you have a problem I could help with, or you have a campaign matter you would like to discuss with me, please don’t hesitate to contact me at ian.sollom.mp@parliament.uk to request a surgery appointment.