Henry Smith MP met Diabetes UK in Parliament last week (on Wednesday, 23rd November) to show his support for their campaign calling on the Government to restore and improve diabetes care.
The Crawley MP met with Diabetes UK campaigners to pledge his support for the campaign and to find out more about the issues facing those living with the condition.
Earlier this year Diabetes UK revealed that thousands of people with diabetes are still struggling to access vital care. The charity warned that despite the tireless efforts of the NHS through the pandemic, many people living with the condition are still struggling to access the care they need, putting them at risk of serious complications, which can lead to premature death.
Yesterday (Wednesday, 30th November), Henry met with Novo Nordisk, whose UK base is in Crawley, at an event to mark 100 years since the first use of insulin to support a patient with diabetes, following its initial discovery in 1921.
Henry said;
“Diabetes cannot wait. It’s clear to me, from speaking to everyone here today, that the delays and gaps in diabetes care are causing tremendous damage. It’s hugely distressing for those living with the condition and can have a devastating impact on their health and wellbeing.
“I’m backing Diabetes UK’s call to rewrite the story of diabetes so that everyone living with diabetes can get the care and support they need.”
The charity says urgent action from the Government is needed, to support frontline healthcare teams in getting vital services back on track.
Just 39.2 per cent of people diagnosed with the condition in the south east of England have received all eight of the recommended care checks in 2020-21 with those from the most deprived areas least likely to have access to the care they need.
Jill Stanton, Head of South East Coast & London at Diabetes UK, commented;
“Too many people with diabetes have been waiting far too long for the care they need. Diabetes is serious and living with it can be relentless. If people with diabetes do not receive their regular checks and appointments with their healthcare teams, they face increased risk of devastating, life-altering complications and, sadly, early death.
“Action is needed now which is why we’re calling on the new Health Secretary to ensure his plans for the health services prioritise the recovery of diabetes care and to recommit to improving outcomes for people with and at risk of diabetes in his plans for the NHS. We’ll continue to press for a renewed focus on diabetes to get this essential, life-saving care back on track.”
To find out more about the campaign and to get involved, visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetesisserious
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