Cornwall Hosts First Women’s Health Conference Focusing on Access and Equity

Landmark women’s health conference shines spotlight on national strategy and local voices

A groundbreaking conference held in Cornwall yesterday has been described as a pivotal moment for tackling women’s health inequalities in the UK.

More than 100 people came together at ‘The Future of Women’s Health: Access, Equity & Action’ on Thursday 26th June. It was the first event of its kind in the county and brought together national experts, healthcare professionals, community voices and advocates.

National Strategy Meets Local Experience

The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Dame Lesley Regan, the Women’s Health Ambassador for England. She presented the National Women’s Health Strategy and said:

“We are at an exciting turning point for women’s health in this country. This conference offers us a vital opportunity to improve how we listen, learn and act collaboratively, to achieve positive change both locally and nationally. To meet the needs of girls and women across their life-course, we must bring them into the heart of our conversations, particularly those whose voices have so often been unheard or ignored.”

The event focused on the real experiences of women in Cornwall and highlighted inequalities in access to care. Topics included mental health, wellbeing, intersectionality, and the experiences of vulnerable women, international women in Cornwall and the Gypsy and Traveller community.

📷Deborah O'Nyons, Professor Dame Lesley Regan and Kate Shields

Closing Reflections and Future Direction

Kate Shields, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, closed the conference. She said:

“This is about shaping a future health and care system that works for all women—where no voice is missed and no need overlooked. I was proud to be part of today’s important landmark event in Cornwall, which is pioneering and taking such a strong stance on health equity for woman and girls now and in the future.”

Professor Maggie Rae, President of the Royal Society of Medicine Epidemiology and Public Health Section, also spoke about the wider public health landscape and the national picture on women’s health.

Workshops, Performances and Shared Visions

Dr Mohammed Abubakr, Consultant Cardiologist and Cardiology Clinical Lead at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, addressed hidden inequalities in cardiovascular health.

Workshops gave attendees a chance to contribute directly to shaping future services under the theme: Your Voice, Your Table, Our Strategy.

Award-winning poet and performer Sally Crabtree led story-sharing throughout the day and performed a powerful closing piece using insights gathered from attendees.

The event also featured short films of women’s lived experiences and interactive sessions designed to inspire action across the healthcare system.

A Turning Point for Cornwall and Beyond

The conference was organised by key partners from across the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System, and supported by sponsors Kernow Health CIC, Theramex, Bayer and Orion.

It marks a bold step towards rethinking how women’s health is approached, both in Cornwall and on a national scale.

📷Women's Health Conference