Pledges to improve diabetes care by working with healthcare professionals and patients to increase choice and access to patient education and support were made by delegates at the Joint Annual Diabetes event organised by the West Midlands Cardiovascular Clinical Network and Diabetes UK which took place in February.
Diabetes is in the spotlight nationally with the launch of the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, and the focus on diabetes treatment and care, plus an additional £44 million investment from NHS England. Diabetes is also under the spotlight locally through the development of Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) across Clinical Commissioning Group areas.
The West Midlands Diabetes Conference gave health professionals from across the West Midlands the opportunity to hear about the following aspects:
- Work taking place across West Midlands
- National Diabetes Audit
- NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
- Foot care
- Diabetes education
- Successful local clinical networks
- Role of Pharmacy
- The developing STP plans for diabetes across the West Midlands.
Peter Shorrick, Diabetes UK Midlands Regional Head, said: "This conference was a great opportunity for healthcare professionals to hear from patients. Shared learning is key to moving forward and improving care for people with diabetes."
Medical Director for NHS England in the West Midlands, Dr Kiran Patel said: “It was a great opportunity for healthcare professionals, patients with diabetes and other attendees from across the West Midlands to find out about the good work that is taking place in relation to diabetes prevention and treatment and care.
"The diabetes programme looks at how we can stop people developing Type 2 diabetes, as well as making make sure that those who already have diabetes get the best care and support to help them manage their conditions.”
Peter Shorrick added: “It was great to see Clinicians and Commissioners representing all 22 CCGs from across the West Midlands. At such an important time it is vital to establish priorities towards the delivery of effective quality diabetes care with tangible outcomes, the pledge commitment made by over 15 CCGs is indicative of the value of the joint annual conference organised by Diabetes UK and NHS England.
"The event also provided an excellent opportunity to network and share good practice, which will ultimately benefit thousands of patients across the region.”
