As part of our focus on women’s health, Kathy Oxtoby looks at provision in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and Devon ICBs are delivering ‘meaningful progress in women’s health’ by placing women’s voices, needs and lived experience at the centre of service design, says Deborah O’Nyons, programme lead for personalised care.
This reflects national ambitions in the Women’s Health Strategy for England and shows how local partnerships are translating policy into meaningful improvements for women and girls.
‘Women’s health is foundational – it shapes families, communities, and future generations. Progress depends on listening, partnership, and sustained investment in education and training and gender disaggregated data,’ says Ms O’Nyons from NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB.
A key development is the women’s health hubs in Cornwall, she says. ‘These integrated, community‑based clinics offer longer appointments, joined‑up pathways and access to multiple services in one place – direct responses to what women say they need most: professionals who listen, trauma‑informed care and support that fits around busy lives.
‘Hubs are transforming women’s health – finding hidden conditions and reaching underserved women across the lifespan. Now, in partnership with our new women’s hospital, we aim to put women’s health at the heart of neighbourhood care,’ she says.
The Devon Menopause Service is an NHS-supported initiative designed to improve how menopause is managed across Devon, particularly for women whose symptoms are more complex or difficult to treat. The service is part of care delivered through Devon Sexual Health, working with local NHS providers. It is a specialist advice and guidance service for GPs and primary care clinicians, without the need for hospital referral, and provides better access to personalised treatment for women in Devon. Partners across the system are putting women’s voices at the centre of service design, helping to shape care that is more equitable, personalised and community-focused.
The Interpersonal Trauma Response Service, commissioned by NHS Devon, is a support service linked to GP practices. It helps people affected by abuse and violence and for women, it plays a key role in recognising hidden trauma, providing safe support pathways and improving both mental and physical health outcomes. Health and care partners are working together to ensure women receive timely, sensitive support and access to specialist care when they need it most.
System‑wide collaboration through a women’s health strategy group led by Ms O’Nyons is also driving improvements across women’s health, addressing persistent gender inequities in data, research and service provision.
A major milestone was The Future of Women’s Health: Access, Equity and Action conference– the first of its kind in Cornwall – convening national thought leaders, clinicians and community advocates to share learning and highlight emerging innovation.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB is now planning interactive women’s neighbourhood health events to focus on empowering conversations with women to raise awareness and improve health outcomes.
Ms O’Nyons says: ‘Our network of colleagues and partners is committed 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.’
