Diabetes UK report criticises cutbacks in NHS
pharmafile | March 23, 2007 | News story | | diabetes
In a new report, Diabetes UK has criticised cutbacks in NHS diabetes treatment, suggesting that service reductions are putting patients' health at risk and leading to unnecessary hospital admissions.
But by contrast, the government's latest report on diabetes services within the National Service Framework, states that diagnosis of diabetes is improving, and the NHS must "step up to the challenge" of providing individual care.
Two million people are currently diagnosed with diabetes in the UK.
"It is absolutely appalling that specialist diabetes services are being reduced," said Douglas Smallwood, Diabetes UKs chief executive. "Decision-makers have to end such short-sighted cost savings and invest in specialist care to deliver patient-centred care."
Diabetes UK's Cuts in Diabetes Specialist Services report asked diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) how funding cuts have affected services and patient care. More than half said they now spent less time with patients and that there were increased delays to see DSNs and consultant diabetologists. In addition, 39% reported increased waiting times for patients' annual reviews.
One in three reported an increase in hospital admissions and one in four said there was an increase in emergency admissions. These could have been avoided if patients had been able to see a member of the diabetes specialist team, the report suggests.
But the government publication, called The Way Ahead: The Local Challenge, says that in the last 12 months alone, more than 100,000 extra people have been diagnosed with diabetes and have started receiving NHS treatment and support.
The report highlights local initiatives such as weight management programmes in Cleveland and screening of vulnerable communities in Bradford.
Health minister Rosie Winterton said: "I would urge PCTs to look at how they can best provide services for people with diabetes in their local area."
Referring to the Diabetes UK survey Viggo Birch, managing director of Novo Nordisk UK – whose diabetes range includes long-acting insulin analogue Levemir – told Pharmafocus:"In light of the enormous burden diabetes can be to people suffering from the disease – and knowing that improved care and intensified therapy can reduce both the worry of the individuals and the cost to society – it is difficult to accept that it is possible to make cost savings in this way."
Diabetes UK says that 90% of respondents report their service is being reduced and changes are being made that negatively impact on the service.
These include: diabetes specialist posts and services being cut, vacant posts being frozen, downgraded or made redundant, and the amount of hours given to patient care pared down. Some areas report that specific programmes such as specialist foot services are no longer being provided while training and support within primary care has been reduced.
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