Commissioners, diabetes experts and patients have developed and launched a new NHS service for diabetic adults in the Vale of York. Shaped by conversations with patients and practitioners and their opinions of local services, the new Community Diabetes Team will deliver improvements in the access to care from specialist staff at their GP practice.

Dr Shaun O’Connell, Clinical Lead for Planned Care and Prescribing at NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group and the CCG’s Governing Body sponsor for the service transformation and development said: “Support and input from diabetic patients and key partners have been at the core of developing a new way of accessing support and treatment for diabetes.

“Their knowledge and opinion has been invaluable and helped enhance important education about diabetes which will help patients manage their condition better and benefit their long term health.”

Dr Vijay Jayagopal, Consultant in Diabetes at York Hospital, said: “People with diabetes will benefit from access to expert care, without boundaries, by the right person, at the right time and at a place that is convenient. It is this philosophy that has driven the project and is an example of what can be achieved when patients, healthcare staff and managers work together to improve our services.“On behalf of the clinical team, I would like to thank the executive management at both York Hospital and the CCG for their steadfast support in ensuring the launch of this service.”

Derek Gauld, a local patient with Type 1 diabetes provided guidance and a patient’s perspective on the developments of local diabetes services. He said: “I’ve have been very much involved in discussions and the planning of the Community Diabetes Team and I’m looking forward to seeing new and improved ways of receiving care and a much needed increase in levels of education for adult diabetes patients.”

Linda Wood, Regional Manager for Diabetes UK said: “The new service is based on outcomes to provide personalised care, working closely with patients to assess all their needs.

“The CCG and the hospital have kept Diabetes UK involved in decisions about the new way of providing care, support and treatment for adults with diabetes from suitably trained professionals who will be supported by a specialist team led by a consultant who is a diabetes expert.”

The Community Diabetes Team’s work will be supported by a dedicated website specifically developed for local diabetic patients, their family, carers and practitioners. The website will provide important and useful information, latest news and events and links to useful resources.

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