NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Reflects on Progress at Annual General Meeting Ahead of Devon Cluster Move

Truro hosts milestone AGM as health leaders reflect on progress and prepare for what’s next

More than 100 people gathered at The Alverton in Truro on Tuesday 29th July 2025 for the Annual General Meeting of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB), marking a significant turning point as the organisation looks ahead to joining a new cluster arrangement with NHS Devon ICB.

The AGM offered a moment of reflection on the ICB’s three-year journey since its formation, showcasing achievements, progress and local partnerships aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

A moment of reflection – and a look ahead

Attendees heard how the ambition laid out at the ICB’s very first ‘True North’ event in July 2022 — “Judge us not by what we say, but what we do” — has translated into real action. Among the work highlighted was:

• The creation of 16 integrated neighbourhood teams supporting local communities with coordinated care shaped by population health data

• The impact of the award-winning Cornwall Community Health and Wellbeing Workers, offering personal support to those most in need

• The progress of WorkWell Cornwall, helping people stay in or return to employment

Integrated neighbourhood teams in places like St Austell and Truro have already shown results. In St Austell, community-based pain cafés helped a man who had been housebound for over a decade regain his mobility and confidence. In the same area, early intervention from GPs and hospital consultants has supported young people in avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions.

In Truro, the development of Truro Health Park has brought mental and physical health professionals together under one roof. This co-location has made it easier for professionals to collaborate and has led to quicker care and better outcomes.

Community-driven care at the forefront

The event also celebrated the role of community organisations in delivering support. The Cornwall Community Gateway and other voluntary sector partners were recognised for helping people access services more easily, improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.

Chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB, John Govett, reflected on the journey:

“It seems like only yesterday that we were joined together at the beginning of our journey as an ICB. The last three years have not been without their difficulties and we still have a long way to go, but it’s important to remember how far we have come, to consider what we have achieved as an integrated care system, and the impact we have had on the people we serve.”

Chief Executive Kate Shields added:

“This was our last AGM ahead of clustering with NHS Devon ICB. It felt like an important moment to look back at what we’ve achieved, while also recognising the uncertainty and upheaval many colleagues are facing.

“I want to thank every member of our team for their professionalism and continued dedication to the people we serve in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. I also want to thank our Board for their insight, support and time in making our region progress towards Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly being a great place to be born, to live and thrive, and to grow old.

“It was also fantastic to hear real stories from the frontline – like how pain cafés in St Austell have transformed lives, and how co-located care in Truro is delivering better outcomes. These are powerful reminders of the impact of place-based delivery and integrated teams, working together for local people.”

Progress across priorities

The AGM also outlined how the ICB’s efforts align with broader NHS goals, including:

• Shifting care closer to home through diagnostic centres, falls and right care cars, and hospital-at-home models

• Prioritising prevention through community-based services and health workers

• Advancing digital transformation with shared care records and AI-supported care

The ICB’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2024/25 were formally approved at the meeting, marking the third consecutive year of delivering a balanced budget. The accounts also confirmed that £114 million of inherited debt had been written off.

The event also saw the launch of the Reflections Prospectus – a digital look back at the ICB’s work, challenges and achievements since 2022.
You can view the full Annual Report here: NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Annual Report

As the ICB prepares to move into a new phase with NHS Devon, the stories shared in Truro showed how local delivery and community focus remain central to healthcare across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.