Diabetes UK: Specialists needed for treatment
Wednesday, 30 Apr 2008 11:31
Specialist nurses play an "integral part" of services for people with diabetes, according to Diabetes UK.
As such the charity has expressed concern at a survey from the Royal College of Nursing which uncovered fears that the jobs of specialists nurses could be under threat due to cuts being made in the NHS.
"It is absolutely ridiculous that the jobs of specialist nurses could be at risk at a time when the NHS is on track for a £1.8 billion surplus," said Diabetes UK chief executive Douglas Smallwood.
He explained that specialist nurses help provide education and support for general practice diabetes care teams and that it would be "appalling" if this support were to be lost.
"With more than two million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and prevalence increasing at a startling rate, action has to be taken now," Mr Smallwood said.
"Research has already shown a decline in diabetes specialist nurses has led to a rise in emergency hospital admissions for short-term diabetes-related complications such as hypos."
He continued: "The potential long-term impact of cuts from diabetes complications and the burden on NHS resources is alarming.
"Decision-makers must look to invest in specialist care to deliver patient-centred care rather than to cut costs and jeopardise people's health."