DoH: Diabetes nurses play a valuable role
Wednesday, 05 Mar 2008 11:11
Health minister Ann Keen has acknowledged the "valuable role" diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) play in the NHS.
Her comments come in response to research which claimed that DSNs have the potential to save the NHS £100 million.
The charity Diabates UK said the government must invest in specialist staff as part of "long-term solutions" for diabetes care.
Ms Keen said the research reflects the findings of a report from the National Diabetes Support Team, which "emphasises the importance of the diabetes specialist team, including specialist nurses, in reducing length of stay and improving outcomes for people with diabetes".
She added: "It is vital that people with diabetes in hospital are identified and treated accordingly, and diabetes specialist nurses can play a valuable role."
