Public Asked to Help Shape New Sexual Health Strategy for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

People across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being urged to have their say on a new 10-year plan to improve sexual and reproductive health services in the region.

The proposed Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy aims to make sure everyone can access high quality care, no matter where they live, to support better health throughout their lives.

What the strategy sets out to do

The draft outlines three key objectives to help tackle health inequalities and improve access:

• Prevention and promotion: Focus on reducing unintended pregnancies and rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by promoting informed choices.

• Accessible and joined-up services: Ensure flexible and integrated care to bring down STI rates, cut the number of late HIV diagnoses, and reduce unplanned pregnancies.

• Personalised care: Offer choice and support through a skilled and sustainable workforce, helping everyone access the care they need.

Why it’s needed

The strategy was developed following conversations with local communities, including people who often face barriers accessing health services or have poorer outcomes.

Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, said:

“It’s vital that everyone in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has equal and easy access to the very best health services, including sexual and reproductive health services. We know this can be especially challenging due to our high number of remote rural communities, which is why it’s so important that we get this right.

“A lot of hard work has gone into developing this strategy and we’re keen for as many people as possible to read it through and tell us their views. So please visit the Let’s Talk page and help us to reduce health inequalities for our residents who need the most support and bring down our rates of STIs, late HIV diagnoses and unintended pregnancies.”

How to get involved

To read the draft strategy and share your feedback, visit the Let’s Talk Cornwall website.