Cuts in diabetes specialist services
Urgent action needed
People with diabetes are receiving lower quality diabetes care as a result of the cuts in specialist diabetes services across England. A survey by Diabetes UK in 2006 reveals that:
- 90 per cent of respondents from across the UK report that their service is being reduced
- 55 per cent of healthcare professionals said they spent less time with patients and there were increased delays to see the specialist diabetes team
- 49 per cent reported there is less education available for patients
- 39 per cent reported increased waiting times for patients’ annual reviews
We need you to take action now to ensure that all people with diabetes receive the standards of care that they are entitled to.
What you can do to help
Send the letters to your PCT and MP
We have provided standard letters to your PCT and MP. If you have time you may want to adapt the letters to include your personal experiences. Remember to address and sign the letters so the PCT and MP can respond.
Press coverage
Get press coverage for this important issue by sending the proforma press release to your local newspaper. The press release has been written to help you increase your chances of receiving press coverage.
Service user representatives
please use the briefing to raise this issue at your next planning group meeting.
Encourage friends and family
Encourage friends and family members to get involved with this campaign. Feel free to photocopy the letters for them and tell them about the e-campaigning tool.
Diabetes UK is concerned by an increasing number of reports from people with diabetes who have had their care moved to their GP without any consultation or agreement between the person, their specialist diabetes team or their GP. We need to ensure that all stakeholders are involved so that a fully integrated service is developed where the best possible decisions for the patient are made in discussion with the full team and the patient.
Diabetes UK is calling for an end to short-sighted cuts in specialist services. We want decision makers within primary care and secondary care to foster an environment where all service providers work together to deliver integrated, patient-centred care, and where people with diabetes are involved in all decisions affecting their care.
Get involved now - your actions will make a difference to people with diabetes in your area. Remember, try to get as many people as possible to send letters and emails to their local PCT or MP. The more people who get involved, the more effective this campaign will be.
Once you have sent the letters/press release, please let us know by phoning 020 7424 1148 or emailing dcn@diabetes.org.uk.
Thank you in advance for taking action to help improve diabetes services.