WINNER
Growing Up, Moving On – Supporting Young People Leaving Paediatric Services
by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Read the case study
Prince Charles Hospital in Wales is in an area of marked social deprivation, but the paediatric unit has recorded some of the best outcomes on the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit for England and Wales for several years. Following critical feedback from young people moving to adult services, the paediatric team engaged their colleagues in adult services to address issues that led to disengagement and deterioration in outcomes. This process began in 2016 and, within a year, NHS Wales hailed the model was hailed as an example of good practice. Evaluation and changes were accomplished through reconfiguration of existing work patterns and without additional costs.
Judges' comments:
"The judges thought this entry was the ideal of what should be happening within our industry. It started small and grew, improving and demonstrating positive impacts in the diagnosis and management of type 1 diabetes. There is no doubt that they have achieved this in spades! "
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Newham Diabetes Transformation Programme – Supporting Young People (16-25 years) with Type 1 Diabetes
by WEL CCGs
Newham, east London, has a young population (>40% under 25 years) with significant deprivation and social inequality. Recent migration from Somalia, Eastern Europe and Africa has seen a rising prevalence of type 1 diabetes (T1D). NHS England funded a Diabetes Transformation Programme which has: determined the number of young people with T1D, including those ’lost to follow-up’; identified and addressed gaps in service, particularly mental health needs, education and support for A&E attenders; developed a Youth Worker role; increased patient engagement through a Peer Support programme; redesigned referral pathways across primary and secondary care, and used online consultations for more flexible care.
Judges' comments:
"Although this project is still in its early stages, it stood out to the judges for the amazing job, demonstrating a positive impact. The vital mental health support and the flexible service with the MDT was very impressive. The judges look forward to seeing this project develop."
FINALIST
Hypo Dino – Created by Children to Inspire Others
by Children and Young People’s Wales Diabetes Network
Hypo Dino is a picture book created by a girl of eight called Katie, who has type 1 diabetes. The hero of the story is Tim Dinosaurus, a dinosaur with type 1 diabetes and a spy protecting the world from an evil villain. Tim experiences hypos and has to learn to manage his diabetes in order to save the world. Katie brought the book to a clinic appointment at Morriston Hospital (Swansea) and the Children and Young People’s Wales Diabetes Network worked with a graphic designer to recreate it as a printed resource that is distributed to families across Wales through paediatric diabetes units.
Judges' comments:
"This is a beautiful piece of work and deserves recognition. It is a lovely project with a great story. The fact that the book was written and illustrated by children, but still had a very helpful and serious message within it was impressive. Very inspiring."
FINALIST
Supporting Positive Self-care Between Clinic Visits Using Inspirational Postcards
by Poole Diabetes Centre, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
It was felt that writing a ‘note to self’ on a postcard could help motivate the young adult diabetes clinic population (15-23-year-olds) to look after their own diabetes. The postcards used initially were replaced by more appropriate and cheaper cards designed by the Diabetes Specialist Nurse. The postcards were assessed for suitability in different settings. A questionnaire for service users and healthcare professionals found the postcards were well-liked by young people with diabetes: 83% would ‘recommend’ or ‘highly recommend’ using them and 87% felt more engaged with their diabetes team between clinic visits; 74% felt more motivated to manage their own diabetes.
Judges' comments:
"The judges liked this “out of the box” idea. They asked for feedback and then acted on it, evolving the programme. It was innovative and the strong patient feedback showed clear patient engagement."