Unfortunately Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK not to have a dedicated Service Framework for diabetes. The condition has been shortlisted for consideration and Diabetes UK Northern Ireland continue to lobby and campaign for its introduction. The below policy documents have been published and indicate some of the levels of care you should be receiving.
Cardiovascular Service Framework
Diabetes was granted three standards within the Cardiovascular Service Framework which launched in July 2008. The standards are below:
- Everyone with diabetes should have the condition diagnosed
- All patients with diabetes should have access to education about their condition, as well as emotional and psychological support
- All patients with diabetes should be offered a review of their condition at least once a year by a suitably qualified treatment team
NICE Guidelines
NICE is an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health.
NICE provide advice and guidance to the NHS and the Department of Health about the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of treatments. Several NICE publications have dealt with diabetes, its treatments and the complications of diabetes. For more information visit the diabetes section of the NICE website.
GMS Contract
The General Medical Services (GMS) Contract is the contract between GP's and the NHS to provide local medical services. Payments are made for accumulating points under the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF). The QoF figures are used to determine the estimated number of adults diagnosed with diabetes in Northern Ireland, as no dedicated register currently exists. To find out more please visit the DHSSPS website.
Priorities for Action 2010-2011
The Northern Ireland Assembly produced its Priorities for Action 2010-2011 which indicated that people must be encouraged to take more responsibility for their own health particularly in light of the rise in chronic conditions, including diabetes. For more information please click here.
The Northern Ireland Audit Office
In January 2009 the Northern Ireland Audit Office published Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in Northern Ireland. The report looked at the DHSSPS's strategies in relation to the prevention of obesity and subsequently Type 2 diabetes. It found that although the Department had been working since the 1990's to address obesity and implement measures to combat it, there is 'scope to improve the evidence base and the targeting and monitoring of effort'. For more information visit the NI Audit Office website.