It’s good news that patients in Hambleton and Richmondshire areas with type 2 diabetes now have better access to educational courses thanks to NHS extra funding. ‘Diabetes Today’, a course which was written and developed by diabeties dietitian, Elaine Gill, who is based at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.
Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing health threat facing the UK, with 700 people diagnosed every day. Left untreated or not managed well, diabetes can result in a range of health complications including blindness, kidney failure, limb amputation, and even death.
The CCG recently received a rating from the NHS England Diabetes Clinical Priority Area Assessment for 2016/17 of ‘requires improvement’ with the main area of development being ‘structured education’ for patients. So, courses like this one could make all the difference.
Last year NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (the CCG) was successful in bidding for £183,000 of funding to help improve diabetes care for local patients. Since then, the CCG has been working hard to invest to improve access to educational courses for patients with diabetes. The CCG is keen to see the rating improve significantly for patients with the disease.
The Diabetes Today course takes place over two half days and is led by a dietitian and practice nurse. It makes sure patients have the chance to really get to grips with their diabetes. The atmosphere is very informal; questions are encouraged; a relative can come along too. There is a discussion about the common myths which surround the diet for diabetes, including food labelling and there are plenty of leaflets and handouts to take away.
I fully support their efforts and congratulate them on all the hard work this has involved. I would encourage anyone who is interested in attending a course to speak to their practice nurse or GP for more information about a referral onto the course.