NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Showcase ‘Caring Where It Matters’ at Event & AGM In Wadebridge

Health professionals, stakeholders, and community members gathered in Wadebridge on Friday, 6th September, for the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly event and Annual General Meeting (AGM), themed “Caring where it matters.” The event offered a comprehensive look at the Integrated Care Board’s priorities for the upcoming year and highlighted how local services are driving innovative health solutions for Cornwall’s residents.

Focus on Innovation and Collaboration

Chaired by John Govett, Chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, and led by Chief Executive Officer Kate Shields, the event spotlighted several projects that are shaping healthcare in the region. Key presentations included Cornwall’s community health and wellbeing workers, a project currently shortlisted for a prestigious national award. This initiative is helping address health inequalities across the region, offering support to local residents facing barriers to healthcare.

Another significant development discussed was the use of Brave AI technology, which is being deployed to help reduce hospital admissions. By using artificial intelligence, the NHS in Cornwall is identifying people at risk and intervening earlier to prevent hospital stays.

Tackling Health Inequalities and Expanding Services

The event also provided an overview of how over 30 organisations are working together at the newly established Launceston health hub to tackle health inequalities in the region. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that everyone has access to essential services, regardless of their circumstances.

In a boost for dental services, attendees heard about the Lostwithiel dental contract pilot, which is focused on providing access to NHS dental care for children and vulnerable patients, an area that has seen growing demand across Cornwall.

The discussion also covered mobile X-ray services, which are helping to assess and treat patients in their own homes or care homes, reducing the need for them to visit hospitals.

Preventative Healthcare and Mental Health Support

Preventative care took centre stage with the introduction of the Healthier Together campaign, which promotes wellbeing through summer festivals and offers advice and support to residents. This forms part of a wider effort to turn the tide on diabetes, a major health issue in Cornwall.

Mental health support is also seeing a boost through the collaborative People in Mind service. This initiative is designed to provide a holistic approach to mental health care for local residents, ensuring they receive the right support in a timely manner.

A Year in Review and Future Plans

The afternoon concluded with the AGM of the Integrated Care Board, during which the board reflected on a challenging yet impactful year. A film featuring John Govett and Kate Shields provided an overview of the achievements, including the confirmation that the Integrated Care Board broke even for the year and a review of how the health budget was utilised across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

John Govett, speaking at the event, emphasised the importance of focusing on people’s needs and bringing care closer to home, while Kate Shields highlighted the success of collaboration across NHS services, local councils, and the voluntary sector. Shields also noted that the work of the Integrated Care Board had been recognised nationally, including winning an NHS Parliamentary Award.

To view the full annual report, visit the NHS Cornwall website.