Deborah O’Nyons Wins Regional Award for Women’s Health Leadership

A leading NHS figure from Cornwall has been recognised at this year’s West Country Women Awards, highlighting the growing focus on women’s health across the region.

A Major Win After Three Years as a Nominee

After three consecutive years as a nominee, Deborah O’Nyons of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board has won the Diversity and Equality Award. The category recognises women who are driving meaningful change, and Deborah’s work has centred on tackling long-standing inequalities in women’s health.

Deborah has played a key role in Cornwall’s drive to improve access to care, addressing issues such as delayed diagnoses, misdiagnosis and wider barriers that have affected women for decades. Her efforts aim to ensure women receive timely, compassionate and fair support, whatever their circumstances.

📷Credit: Photography by Poppy Jakes

Transforming Women’s Health in Cornwall

Under Deborah’s leadership, several significant steps have been taken, including:

• Delivering Cornwall’s first dedicated Women’s Health Strategy

• Establishing women’s health hubs that offer extended appointments closer to home

• Improving access for women facing the greatest barriers, including those affected by domestic or sexual violence, women with learning disabilities, refugees, and women from Gypsy and Traveller communities

Praise From NHS Cornwall’s Acting Chief Executive

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

“Debbie’s win is a hugely deserved celebration of her determination to place women’s health at the top of the agenda. Her leadership has brought energy, focus and urgency to an area that has been overlooked for far too long.

“She has helped our system listen more carefully to women’s experiences and redesign services with compassion and purpose. This award recognises not just her achievements, but the positive change now being felt across Cornwall.”

The awards process is entirely anonymous, meaning Deborah does not know who nominated her. Finalists are selected solely on the strength of their applications, reflecting the clarity and impact of her work.

A Landmark Conference for Cornwall

In June, Deborah hosted The Future of Women’s Health: Access, Equity and Action, a conference that brought together more than 100 leaders, clinicians and community voices. The event featured keynote speaker Professor Dame Lesley Regan, the Women’s Health Ambassador for England.

Deborah’s Reaction to the Award

Deborah said:

“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award. Women’s health matters profoundly, it shapes families, communities and future generations. To see this work recognised so publicly is incredibly uplifting.

“This achievement belongs to an extraordinary network of colleagues and partners who share a commitment to fairness, dignity and better outcomes for women. Together, we are proving what’s possible when women’s health is given the attention and respect it deserves.”

Read More

You can read more about Cornwall’s Women’s Health Strategy on the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board website:Women’s Health Strategy

📷Credit: Photography by Poppy Jakes