Have Your Say: Cornwall and Isles of Scilly to Help Shape NHS 10-Year Plan

The Integrated Care System in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is inviting local residents to have their say on the future of healthcare as part of the development of a national 10-year plan for the NHS. A series of local events and an online survey will give residents a chance to share their experiences, ideas, and feedback throughout January and February 2025.

Local Events to Share Your Views

Senior leaders will be present at events across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to outline ongoing health improvements and gather public feedback. The aim is to create a healthcare system that supports people at all stages of life—from birth through to old age.

Kate Shields, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, emphasised the importance of local feedback:

“This is an important opportunity for local people to make sure we hear what they think needs to change and improve across our local health and care services.”

Residents, patients, NHS staff, and volunteers are encouraged to complete the local survey, even if they have previously completed the national survey, to ensure local insights shape local services.

Key Dates and Locations for Public Events

• Guildhall, Saltash – Saturday 1st February, 10am to 4pm
• Redruth Community Centre – Tuesday 4th February, 10am to 3.30pm
• New County Hall, Truro – Friday 7th February, 10am to 4pm
• Old Town Inn, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly – Thursday 20th February, 10am to 4pm
• Parkhouse Centre, Bude – Saturday 22nd February, 11am to 3pm

For further details and booking links, visit the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly webpage.

Transforming the NHS: What’s Changing?

The government’s 10-year plan, set to be published in spring 2025, will focus on three major shifts in healthcare:

1. Hospital to Community

Plans are being developed to offer more care closer to home. The aim is for patients to access GPs, district nurses, care workers, physiotherapists, health visitors, and mental health specialists in one location, reducing the need for hospital visits.

2. Analogue to Digital

The NHS is set to introduce a single patient record system that will bring together test results, medical letters, and more through the NHS App. This change aims to improve efficiency by speeding up care, reducing duplicate tests, and minimising errors. All changes will follow strict data-sharing permissions to ensure privacy.

3. Sickness to Prevention

A proactive approach to health will aim to prevent illnesses before they occur. Wearable technology, such as smartwatches, could be used to help patients with conditions like diabetes monitor their health from home. Local pharmacies and libraries in Cornwall will continue offering free blood pressure checks, alongside NHS health checks, vaccinations, and cancer screenings.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Chris Reid urged residents to participate:

“Your views, experiences and ideas will shape immediate steps and long-term changes for the NHS. This is a great opportunity to help make the NHS fit for the future and we need your views. Please take time to complete our online survey or join us at one of the events happening over January and February 2025.”

Community-Led Support

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly engagement efforts are supported by Healthwatch Cornwall, Healthwatch Isles of Scilly, and Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum. The local feedback gathered will complement national data to help shape the long-term NHS Health Plan.

Residents are encouraged to participate in this crucial consultation and contribute to shaping a modern, inclusive NHS designed to meet the changing needs of the community.