Lead Senior Clinical Pharmacist and Diabetes PCN Lead for Central Watford PCN
As one of our Clinical Champions, Meena will be supporting the engagement of young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities in type 2 diabetes care to reduce overall prevalence and diabetic complications across the local area.
Diabetes in central Watford is highly prevalent with over 7% of the demographic living with diabetes. By looking at data supplied by Population Health NHSE, it is apparent the younger population from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are not accessing healthcare until diabetes is well established. From early findings it is clear that language, cultural beliefs and lifestyles are potential barriers to change.
Meena’s plan is to ascertain how best to support this cohort to encourage overall engagement and reduce health inertia. Key factors that she will look to consider include dietetic input, access to key personnel within cultural communities and tailored education.
Background
Meena started her career in community pharmacy before she moved into primary care. She previously worked as part of a new consultant and GP led MDT across a federation where complex patients were intensively managed, many of whom were diabetic.
This collaborative working brought together social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses and social prescribers to support each patient holistically. This in turn reduced hospital admissions, improved quality of life as well as patient satisfaction.
Currently, Meena is working as the Lead Senior Clinical Pharmacist in Watford and is the PCN Diabetes Lead. As a result, she oversees the training and development of other clinical pharmacists to support this highly prevalent demographic.
Meena also is a member of the CPwSI Diabetes committee which aims to support the upskilling of clinical pharmacists in Hertfordshire. She thrives on using her previous experience to utilise a holistic multi-faceted approach.
