Response to Healthwatch Cornwall report on Healthcare Access Barriers and Inequalities
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) has responded to Healthwatch Cornwall’s report into healthcare access barriers and inequalities, thanking both Healthwatch and everyone who shared their experiences.
Dr Richenda Mason, medical director for NHS Cornwall, Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon, said: “We really welcome the publication of Healthwatch Cornwall’s report and would like to thank everyone who shared their experiences.
“Reducing health inequalities and improving access to care are key priorities for us and we recognise that some people face additional barriers in accessing services because of factors such as transport, caring responsibilities, disability, financial pressures or digital confidence.
“Many of the issues highlighted in the report reflect challenges that are also seen nationally, particularly around dentistry, mental health and access in rural and coastal communities. We are already working with NHS providers, local government, voluntary sector organisations and community partners to improve access to services, strengthen support closer to home and ensure services are designed around the needs of local people.
“We recognise that people living with multiple long-term health conditions can often face additional challenges navigating services and attending multiple appointments we work with our lived experience group to make sure the voice of local people shapes our work. Through our neighbourhood health and integrated care programmes, we are increasingly bringing services together around the individual, including multidisciplinary teams working within communities to provide more joined up, personalised care closer to home.
“The report also highlights the importance of making services accessible for people who face transport, financial or practical barriers. Across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly we are testing and expanding community-based approaches that take support into local communities, including community health events, neighbourhood clinics and targeted outreach programmes designed to reach people who may not traditionally access services.
“We know access to NHS dentistry remains a significant concern for many residents. Alongside ongoing work to improve dental access, a mobile dental unit is now providing care within priority communities and helping us reach groups who may otherwise struggle to access services. Cornwall is also the first area in the South West to host a Cancer Action Support Practice, providing tailored dental support for people undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers.
“We are also working with partners across the voluntary, community and public sectors through successful initiatives such as the Community Hubs programme and Community Health and Wellbeing Workers, which help connect residents with practical support, improve wellbeing and tackle some of the wider factors that affect people’s health.
“We welcome Healthwatch Cornwall’s recommendations and will consider them carefully alongside existing programmes of work. We remain committed to working with Healthwatch, Cornwall Council, providers and local communities to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
“Listening to people’s experiences is vital in helping us improve services, and we will continue to work alongside local communities, patients, carers and partners to shape future improvements and ensure services are designed around the needs of the people who use them.”