NHS Cornwall seeks lived experience voices to help shape future health services

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly are calling on people with lived or caring experience of heart and lung conditions, or diabetes, to help shape the future of local health services.

The new lived experience group will bring together people with these conditions alongside health professionals, ensuring their voices are heard in the planning and delivery of care.

Building on diabetes work

This follows the development of a five-year diabetes plan, where people living with type 1, type 2 and pre-diabetes shared their knowledge to guide the Integrated Care Board.

Now, the group is expanding to include cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. These often overlap, and the NHS believes that understanding real experiences will help make sure services reflect people’s needs.

Who can take part

The group is open to people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, regardless of age or location. Support will be available to cover transport and caring costs, making it easier for anyone interested to get involved.

Conditions included are:

• Heart (cardiovascular) conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and peripheral artery disease

• Lung (respiratory) conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections such as flu and pneumonia

• Diabetes (types 1, 2 and pre-diabetes)

Events in October

Two information events will take place on Wednesday 29th October, giving people the chance to find out more. One will be held online, and the other in person at County Hall, Truro.

Once established, the group will share feedback to help health and care services improve how they support communities. Opportunities will be flexible, ranging from online surveys and discussions to co-designing services alongside healthcare staff.

Listening to real experiences

Dr Chris Reid, chief medical officer at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, said:

“Listening and understanding to people who live with these long-term conditions is one of the most important things we can do to improve care. By expanding our work to involve people with lived experience from diabetes to include people with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, we’re ensuring their voices guide even more of our work to plan, design, and deliver services that truly meet their needs.”

How to register

Anyone interested in joining can register their interest by completing this short online form.