Diabetes UK wants specialist nurses to become clinical champions

Diabetes UK is looking for specialist nurses to become clinical champions. 

The charity’s champions provide leadership to improve services for people with diabetes across the UK. 

Twenty nine champions have been recruited since 2014 when the scheme was launched. They include diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs), consultants, GPs and pharmacists.

The programme is open to any healthcare professional who is experienced in treating the complex needs of people with diabetes.

The role is voluntary and runs for two years. Support and training is provided.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s DSN Debora Brown became a champion last year and said she has worked with her local clinical commissioning group to launch elderly care guidelines for primary and secondary care.

She said: ‘This intervention has already reduced the number of referrals from the ambulance service for hypoglycaemia in the over-75s.’

Diabetes UK head of healthcare professional engagement Amy Rylance said: ‘We want to continue to identify clinicians who have the potential to make a real difference and provide them with the support and the personal and professional development needed to become catalysts for service improvement within their locality.

‘Bespoke training and leadership development are just some of the benefits of being a champion.’

The deadline for applications is 5pm on March 29.

Visit Diabetes UK here for more information and to download an application form.