Landmark Women’s Health Conference in Cornwall
‘The Future of Women’s Health: Access, Equity & Action’ set to spark major conversation on women’s health inequalities
A ground breaking women’s health conference—the first of its kind in Cornwall— took place on Thursday 26 June as a pivotal moment for health equity in the UK. ‘The Future of Women’s Health: Access, Equity & Action’ brought together over 100 people, including national thought leaders, healthcare professionals, community voices and advocates.
Hosted in Cornwall, the event highlighted the unique challenges faced by women across the region and nationally, while fostering action-focused dialogue on inclusion, access and equity.
The day featured keynote and guest speakers on a wide range of women’s health topics from mental health and wellbeing, to intersectionality and inequality, including specific focus on the experiences of vulnerable women, international women in Cornwall, and the Gypsy and Traveller community.
A National Conversation Rooted in Local Realities
Key note speaker at the event was Professor Dame Lesley Regan, the Women’s Health Ambassador for England, who presented the National Women’s Health Strategy.
“We are at an exciting turning point for women’s health in this country. This conference offers us a vital opportunity to improve how we listen, learn and act collaboratively, to achieve positive change both locally and nationally. To meet the needs of girls and women across their life-course, we must bring them into the heart of our conversations, particularly those whose voices have so often been unheard or ignored” said Dame Lesley Regan.
Kate Shields, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, who closed the event with reflections on local action and national alignment, said: “This is about shaping a future health and care system that works for all women—where no voice is missed and no need overlooked. I was proud to be part of today’s important landmark event in Cornwall, which is pioneering and taking such a strong stance on health equity for woman and girls now and in the future.”
President of the Royal Society of Medicine Epidemiology and Public Health Section; Professor Maggie Rae, also presented addressing the Public Health Landscape and Women’s Health National Picture.
Driving Local and System-wide Change
Dr Mohammed Abubakr Consultant Cardiologist and Cardiology Clinical Lead at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust highlighted hidden inequalities in cardiovascular health, while workshops empowered attendees to co-create a shared vision for the future of women’s health, under the theme: Your Voice, Your Table, Our Strategy.
Award-winning poet and performer Sally Crabtree facilitated story-sharing throughout the day, capturing insights and presenting them back in a powerful closing performance.
Guests watched powerful films sharing women’s lived experiences and interactive workshops designed to shape future services.
The conference, organised by key partners from across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System, marks a bold step forward in rethinking how women’s health is approached across services, cultures and communities—both locally and nationally.
The conference sponsors were Kernow Health CIC, Theramex, Bayer and Orion.