Almost 40% of people with diabetes who were asked believe the NHS has “worsened” since the £1.1bn health service reforms, according to a new survey conducted by IDDT (Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust).
The Trust’s report, ‘Diabetes 2015: Care in Crisis’ based on a survey of more than 15,000 people, shows that nearly 40% were not given appropriate advice and information about diet and exercise at the time of diagnosis. As a result, the charity has sent an urgent series of recommendations to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt calling for fundamental changes, including prioritising the care of people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Jenny Hirst, Co-Chair of the charity, says, “While the new national Diabetes Prevention Programme is important, the Trust is very concerned that many of three million plus people who already have diabetes are not receiving the care and treatment they need and deserve. Not only does this adversely affect their long-term health but this added risk of complications of diabetes increases the financial burden placed on the NHS.”
The Trust has over 17,000 members all of whom live with diabetes. “It is clear,” says Hirst, “that some people are receiving excellent care but unfortunately for many people, it is less than adequate.”
The abolition of Primary Care Trusts and introduction of Clinical Commissioning Groups as part of a major NHS reform initiated in 2010 cost £1.1bn by the end of March 2013, according to a National Audit Office report but 38% of respondents said NHS services were worse than five years ago, while 7% said there was no improvement. Only 37% reported that they were given appropriate advice and information about diet and exercise at the time of diagnosis while 32% said they did not feel their GP and/or practice nurse knew enough about diabetes and their condition.
For more information about the charity, visit: http://iddt.org
