Winner

Working Partnerships for Diabetes Foot Health in Lambeth and Southwark

by Diabetes Modernisation Initiative

This partnership was launched to improve diabetes-related health outcomes across Lambeth and Southwark. It consists of patients, who noted inconsistencies in primary foot healthcare, HCPs and commissioners. Aims include providing patients with clear, consistent information about routine and specialist foot care, including self-management and  improving the local foot health pathway and resources for patients and providers. Since work began in 2011/12, over 2,900 additional patients received an annual foot check, an increase of 14% by 2013/14.

Judges comment:

“This is an outstanding example of an easily replicable service that is delivering exceptional results. This is a fantastic approach to improve a much needed service and has had a dramatic effect in reducing foot amputations.”

Commended

Nutrition and Physical Activity Diabetes Competencies for Non-dietetic Healthcare Professionals

by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of DMEG

The Quality Outcomes Framework requirement 2013/2014 requires that people with diabetes have a dietary review by a “competent professional”. Guidance was produced by the British Dietetic Association diabetes specialist group (DMEG) and Diabetes to define the requirements a suitable professional needed to demonstrate. This included a sound diabetes knowledge base as outlined in the national nursing and dietetic diabetes competency documents. Guidelines were translated into online and group education training curricula to support non-dietetic staff and training opportunities were put in place.

Judges comment:

“There is a great need for this service and this was a good example of a straight-forward approach to developing a competency framework.”

Commended

‘Diabetes Listening Ear’ – A personalised approach, enabling people with compassion

by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals Trust & Sandwell Esteem 

The Diabetes Listening Ear is a project to improve the emotional well-being of people with diabetes. It was jointly established by the Sandwell Diabetes Team and specialist organisation the Esteem Team. The partnership began by focusing on people attending the diabetes foot clinic, benefiting 67 people in the first six months. Patients attending the clinic are signposted to our ‘listening ear’ using a carefully prepared script. First contact with Esteem usually occurs soon after arrival, in lieu of a short wait to be seen by the clinical team.

Judges comment:

“This was a simple, easily replicable initiative. Combining services at an already existing clinic is a great way to fill the gap in the patient support system to ultimately improve patient wellbeing.”