Be sure to take part in the NHS ‘Caring Where It Matters’ survey!

People across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are being urged to share their views on the future of local health and care services – especially younger residents, people under 40 and men, whose voices are currently underrepresented.

It is hoped that by encouraging a wider variety of people to give their experiences, ideas and feedback, future health and care services can be shaped in a way that genuinely works for the communities it serves.

“We want to understand what really matters to you” says acting Chief Executive, Susan Bracefield for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

“We can only design services that truly meet local needs if people tell us what matters most to them. Every idea, every experience and every comment helps us better understand how health and care is experienced by different people in different places across the county.”

“We are especially keen to hear from older people, families and carers about what support would help prevent the need for an avoidable hospital admission – particularly now that many hospital-level services can be delivered safely at home or closer to where people live. Understanding what would make the biggest difference to you helps us design care that keeps people well, independent and supported in the place they feel most comfortable.”

“Whether you’re a young parent, a student, someone balancing work and life pressures, or simply someone who wants things to be easier when you need to use health services, your voice will directly influence the decisions we make for the years ahead. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey – and encourage others in your family, workplace or community to do the same!”

How to get involved

• Complete the survey. Why not have your say right now? (the survey is hosted online by Let’s Talk Cornwall).
• There is also an Easy Read version of the survey available to download – return this to FREEPOST NHS CORNWALL AND ISLES OF SCILLY.
• Meet NHS teams in your community: look out for information and pop-up engagement at local venues and events.
• Invite us to your group: email ciosicb.engagement@nhs.net if you’d like them to attend a local event, support group or community group.
• Follow NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly on Facebook for details of upcoming events and community visits.

Showcasing what’s already changing

Another key part of the campaign highlights the growing range of services that are already improving access to health and care locally. These include neighbourhood teams working together to support people earlier to prevent illness, not just treat it; better connected care by moving from analogue to new digital tools; moving hospital services into the community, such as the mobile X-ray service which is helping around 80% of patients avoid being admitted to hospital.

You can read more on the Caring Where It Matters page of our website.

Why your views matter

Feedback gathered through the survey and local engagement will help shape the new Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 5-year health and care plan, aligned to the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.

By hearing from local people, we can use their insights to help us shape services around what people value, not just what we have traditionally offered and will help ensure we provide safe, timely and personalised care in the future.

This is a chance for residents – including families, carers and older people – to directly tell their local NHS what matters most to them – whether that’s easier access to appointments, better use of technology or services being delivered closer to home.  For many, that may include more support to stay well at home, extra help in the community, or services that avoid the need for hospital care unless it’s really needed.

Every response will help inform decisions and priorities for the years ahead.

The survey deadline has been extended to Saturday 31 January 2026.