On World Diabetes Week Ulster Unionist MLA and Party Health Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson has called on the Health Minister to fully implement eleven recommendations received by his Department last year.
Commenting following attending a Diabetes UK event held at Stormont to mark the beginning of Diabetes Week the Upper Bann MLA said:
“Diabetes is one of the biggest health threats of our time with over 86,000 local people diagnosed with the condition. This figure includes 1,200 children and year on year these figures continue to rise - frighteningly at a rate of around 100 children per year.
“To stem this tide we need an urgent strategic plan to be put in place for all people affected by and at risk of diabetes. Male or female, young or old diabetes can happen to anyone.
“Crucially the groundwork for a strategic plan has already been put in place through eleven recommendations made by a group of eminent local diabetes and healthcare experts.
“Last June the Department published these recommendations in the findings of the Report of the Steering Group which was chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride. The group examined services for people with diabetes and its report assesses progress against the objectives of the original CREST/Diabetes UK Joint Taskforce Report which was originally published over a decade ago in 2003.
“The recommendations include the improvement of services for people with diabetes, improving public awareness of diabetes and updating services for children. A number of gaps in existing services were highlighted and these must be urgently addressed as well as steps taken to modernise services given sheer volume of children being diagnosed.
“The important work of the steering group has provided a clear appraisal of the issues affecting people with diabetes. Their findings provide a roadmap for diabetes which will ensure that gaps in service can be addressed and I call upon the Minister to implement their recommendations without delay.”
Diabetes Week provides a yearly opportunity to remind everyone that they’re not on their own when it comes to diabetes. During the week local and national charities highlight all of the ways they give support, advice, and chances to learn more about diabetes to help local people manage their condition.