Diabetes UK: Govt must invest in diabetes nurses
Wednesday, 05 Mar 2008 11:08
Diabetes UK has called on the government to invest more in diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs).
The charity's call follows a study which found that DSNs could save the NHS £100 million by reducing hospital admissions.
Researchers at the University Hospitals of Leicester (UCL) NHS trust said their use of diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) saved the hospital £111,155 in one year alone.
Diabetes UK chief executive Douglas Smallwood commented: "DSNs are already seen as the lynchpin of the healthcare team by people with diabetes in their ongoing care.
"This research is yet further proof of the vital role DSNs play in improving the health of people with diabetes and the financial woes of the NHS.
"With spiralling rates of diabetes, the government has to look to long term solutions and invest in specialist staff such as DSNs."
