West Country Woman is third time awards nominee hoping for NHS win

One finalist in this year’s West Country Women Awards is wondering if it will be a case of third time lucky for her to win.

The Awards are said to celebrate the achievements of exceptional women across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, honouring those who are driving positive change in their communities.

Deborah O’Nyons of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board has been nominated for three consecutive years, having previously made it as far as the quarter finals.

This year she has been recognised in the Diversity and Equality category, for her transformative work on changing healthcare for women in the NHS, to reduce women’s health inequalities.

Thanks to Deborah’s passion and dedication, Cornwall has taken the lead on a bold, practical approach that’s tackling long-standing issues such as longer diagnostic delays for women and misdiagnosis across conditions ranging from endometriosis to cardiovascular symptoms.

This work is improving healthcare for women from all walks of life across Cornwall. Notable progress under her leadership includes:

• developing a county-wide Women’s Health Strategy
• creating women’s health hubs with extended appointments
• offering targeted support to women who face the greatest barriers – those affected by domestic or sexual violence, women with learning disabilities, refugees, and women from Gypsy and Traveller communities

Susan Bracefield, Acting Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board says:

“We are fortunate to work with Debbie every day, but you only have to cross paths with her to know how devoted she is to her work and see the difference it’s making for people.

“Over the decades she has dedicated so much to being an advocate for improving health outcomes for our local population. I’m delighted she is being recognised in this way. It’s well deserved and I wish her all the luck for the final.”

Deborah doesn’t know who made the award nomination, as the process is anonymous. But with shortlisting judged on an application from each nominee – in which they must explain why they think they have been nominated – getting as far as the finals is very much down to her.

In June this year, Deborah organised a landmark conference – the first of its kind in Cornwall – under the banner ‘The Future of Women’s Health: Access, Equity and Action’.

The event was a huge success, bringing together more than 100 invitees and a prestigious keynote speaker in the form of Professor Dame Lesley Regan, the Women’s Health Ambassador for England.

Deborah says:

“There are so many people doing fantastic work, it’s a real privilege to be nominated. It’s also incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts to create meaningful change are being recognised and valued – it makes it all the more worthwhile.

“This is not a solo journey, I’m so grateful to be working with a fabulous team of inspirational men and women whose dedication and passion make everything seem possible.”

The Grand Final Gala for the awards takes place in Plymouth on 28 November 2025. Best of luck to Deborah and her fellow remarkable finalists.