Lived experience group seeks voices of people with heart and lung conditions

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly are looking for local people with lived or caring experience of heart and lung conditions or diabetes to share their knowledge and ideas to help improve and shape future health services. 

This builds on some invaluable work that local people with lived experience diabetes (types 1, 2 and pre-diabetes) have helped to develop a 5 year diabetes plan for the Integrated Care Board. 

This lived experience group, aims to bring together local people and health professions to cover 3 different long term conditions – because often these health conditions are interlinked and understanding the lived experiences of local people with these conditions can ensure the needs are reflected in future services. 

To make sure a variety of experiences are represented – the NHS are looking for a wide range of people representing different ages, locations and experiences – and are able to provide additional support and cover financial costs of attending (transport and caring).  

2 information events are planned in October (Wednesday 29 October) giving interested people the chance to find out more – an online and in person event at County Hall in Truro. 

Once set up, the group will provide insight and feedback to help health and care services improve the way they support people in local communities.

People with the following conditions are encouraged to take part

• Heart (cardiovascular) conditions, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and peripheral artery disease
• Lung (respiratory) conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections such as flu and pneumonia
• Diabetes (types 1, 2 and pre-diabetes)

The group offers flexible opportunities to get involved, from taking part in surveys and online discussions to helping co-design future services alongside healthcare professionals. 

Dr Chris Reid, chief medical officer at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board said: “Listening and understanding to people who live with these long-term conditions is one of the most important things we can do to improve care. By expanding our work to involve people with lived experience from diabetes to include people with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, we’re ensuring their voices guide even more of our work to plan, design, and deliver services that truly meet their needs.” 

Interested individuals are invited to register their interest by completing this short online form.