A Specialist Dietitian from the Belfast Trust has been selected as a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion, to help transform care for people living with diabetes.
Veronica Lynch, a Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Dietitian at Belfast City Hospital was chosen for her passion for, and commitment to excellence in diabetes care.
Diabetes care can vary widely in different regions, and many people struggle to access the vital services they need to manage their condition well. As a Clinical Champion, Veronica will join a two-year leadership development programme, supported by Diabetes UK. Through her training, she will identify areas in need of improvement and drive vital changes to the diabetes services that people in the Belfast Trust receive.
Veronica said:
“I am looking forward to my new role as a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion and the opportunity to improve patient care. I hope to improve outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes through earlier screening and treatment.”
Veronica is one of twenty UK healthcare professionals, including consultants, nurses, GPs, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists and psychologists to be appointed as a Clinical Champion this year.
Jillian Patchett, National Director at Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, said: “Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest-growing health crisis of our time, and now affects 4.6 million people across the UK. That’s more than cancer and dementia combined – and more than any other serious health condition in the UK.
“Investing in diabetes care in this way will help reduce serious complication. In turn, this can reduce the devastating personal – and economic – costs that can result from poor management of the condition.
“Champions like Veronica play a critical role in improving the services people with diabetes receive. They also contribute massively to our vision of creating a world where diabetes can do no harm”
The award-winning Clinical Champions programme provides leadership development to healthcare professionals, enabling them to improve diabetes care and bring innovative solutions to local problems. There are now 85 champions across the UK who have access to a network of like-minded clinicians with whom they can share expertise, experience and best practice.
If you are interested in becoming a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion for the 2019-2021 intake please contact clinicalchampions@diabetes.org.uk or call 020 7424 1892. This is a Diabetes UK project in collaboration with Novo Nordisk who are providing support and funding.
