Cornwall’s Groundbreaking Healthcare Collaboration Wins Regional NHS Parliamentary Award

Success for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly in National NHS Awards

Healthcare, care, and community services across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been recognised for their innovative collaboration, winning the regional ‘Excellence in Healthcare’ category at this year’s NHS Parliamentary Awards. This prestigious accolade highlights the work being done across the area’s integrated care system, with NHS and social care teams joining forces with community and voluntary organisations to support local residents.

The NHS Parliamentary Awards, organised by NHS England, invite nominations from MPs across England to showcase exceptional contributions to healthcare.

A Collaborative Approach to Care

The winning entry shines a spotlight on the collective efforts of multiple organisations working in partnership to help residents live independently and avoid unnecessary hospital stays. The collaboration includes NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, as well as several key local partners, such as disAbility Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, Home First, Age UK Cornwall, Volunteer Cornwall, CHAOS Group, Pentreath, and Humans Cornwall.

The Short Term Enablement Planning Service (STEPS) and Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF) have also played critical roles in delivering services that promote health and wellbeing across the region.

Innovative Services Supporting Residents

Several initiatives have been pivotal in this regional success, including the Community Gateway helpline, which received 48,000 calls and provided 7,000 personal support plans in a year. The helpline is operational 365 days a year, offering vital support to people in need. Additionally, over 50 community hubs across Cornwall have supported one in four residents, helping them stay connected and healthy.

Another important service, the Penhallow ‘Home from Home’ facility, provides step-down care for those leaving hospital, while the Hospital to Home reablement service supports around 56 people each week to transition back into their homes after a hospital stay.

The judges of the NHS Parliamentary Awards praised the approach as “a terrific example of what can be achieved by working with more than 60 voluntary organisations to make a real difference to people across Cornwall.”

Positive Impact on Local Residents

Many local residents have benefitted from this collaborative approach. For example, James, who suffered a stroke, received essential transport support to his appointments, and Margaret was able to access food shopping assistance after her hospital stay. Bill, following the loss of his wife, was introduced to his local community hub, which provided him with the connection and support he needed.

Looking to the Future

Kate Shields, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, expressed her pride in the teams behind this work:

“This award provides well-deserved recognition for the amazing teams who put people’s needs at the heart of the services they deliver every day.”

Shields also extended her thanks to the local MPs who backed the nomination and shared her vision for making personalised care the standard model across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Jane Johnson MBE, Chief Executive of disAbility Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, hailed the collaboration, noting how services are aligned for seamless delivery to meet the unique needs of individuals.

Ian Jones MBE, Chief Executive of Volunteer Cornwall, reflected on the significant progress made in integrating health and care services, while Emma Rowse, Chief Executive of Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum, emphasised the power of collaboration in delivering effective community services.

A Step Towards National Recognition

With this regional win, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will now represent the South West at the national NHS Parliamentary Awards ceremony, which will be held in Westminster on Monday, 14 October.

For more information about the NHS Parliamentary Awards and the work being done by Cornwall’s Integrated Care System, visit NHS England.