The residents of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being invited to play a part in creating a 5-year health and social care plan for Cornwall that covers both adults and children as part of Cornwall’s Devolution Deal with Government and is due to go to the Government later in the year. The objective of the new strategy for health and social care is to improve health and wellbeing and provide seamless services for residents of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
NHS Kernow, Cornwall Council, the Council of the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall’s key health providers are seeking the health and social care priorities of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s residents as well as their ideas on how potential savings could be made to help under-pressure budgets go further.
To achieve this, a series of events have been arranged from Bude to the Isles of Scilly to talk to communities.
The events are taking place over 9 days in March and take the form of drop-in sessions and question and answer public meetings.
Cornwall Councillor Jim McKenna, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said: ‘It would be great to see as many people as possible attending all the community events. It is really important that the future shape of health and care services in Cornwall takes into account the needs and aspirations of those who use them and this is an opportunity for residents to help achieve just that.’
Acting Chairman of Community Services on the Isles of Scilly, Cllr Fran Grottick, added: ‘There are a number of issues that make the provision of health and care services a particular challenge for the Isles of Scilly. It is our desire to ensure that older people have choice and control to remain independent and supported within their island community.
We need your voice and involvement to make sure that the whole system works together in the way that you would wish. I hope as many islanders as possible will attend the event on the 22nd. Even if you only have a little time, do drop in.’
Dr Iain Chorlton, Chairman of NHS Kernow, said: ‘Health partners and Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly are continuing to work together to integrate health and social care in the area.
It is essential to talk to as many members of the public and stakeholders as possible to ensure our plans fully reflect the needs of our residents.’
The plan will take into consideration social and economic factors that affect the long term health and wellbeing of people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, such as access to transport and fuel poverty.
There have been a range of community events and public meetings across Cornwall already, and the Isles of Scilly event will take place 22 March in the Council Chamber, St Mary’s. There will be 2 Q&A panel discussions at 1-2pm and 6-7pm, with drop-in sessions from 2-6pm.