NHS Orkney
Updated 16 June 2011
Who has diabetes?
Why are these figures important?
Orkney profile
NHS Orkney provide healthcare to approximately 20,000 members of the public. Within this population 4.6% of individuals have diabetes. With 923 individuals diagnosed this is 0.1% higher than the Scottish average. Using statistics from the Scottish Public Health Network we estimate that a further 264 may have this condition but have yet to be diagnosed. Orkney has a relatively old population profile and levels of deprivation are low.
The Better Diabetes Care survey, conducted by Diabetes UK Scotland in 2009, has suggested that a high proportion of those with diabetes have been offered basic diabetes education when compared with the rest of Scotland.
Diabetic retinopathy screening is an important service which acts to detect changes in the eye which arise as a complication of diabetes. This screening is better in this region in regard to the national average with 9 out of 10 individuals with diabetes receiving their annual eye check. However access to foot care has been found to be notably poorer than is found in the rest of Scotland.
In 2007, Diabetes UK Scotland and NHS Quality Improvement Scotland pulled together feedback from focus groups and surveys to report on what was the experience of care of people living with diabetes. The review of the care experience of people living with diabetes within the Orkney have noted that this Health Board has an excellent record in providing annual reviews for those with diabetes. Such reviews cover areas such as eyes, feet, blood glucose levels, blood pressure weight and a discussion of how patients are feeling and are imperative to competent patient care. Information from GP practices was found to be experiences and valuable with accessibility to test results at GP clinics.
What people have said about diabetes care in Orkney
"The GP I am with, listens to my needs and provides a positive feedback."
Tell the Scottish Government about your diabetes
The Scottish Government’s websiteBetter Togetheris also interested to hear of people’s experiences of diabetes care. By submitting your experience of NHS care the government hope to improve health services across Scotland. You can follow this link or if you would like send us emailScotland@diabetes.org.ukand we’ll do it for you.
