Outstanding integrated diabetes care wins regional NHS70 Parliamentary Award
03 Jul 18 - 03 Jul 19
An initiative focusing on caring for the emotional wellbeing of people living with diabetes in tandem with their physical needs has been announced a regional champion at the prestigious NHS70 Parliamentary Awards, in the Excellence in Mental Health Care category.
HPFT is working in partnership with West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust providing integrated physical and mental health care for those living with diabetes in west Hertfordshire.
Research has shown that people living with long term conditions are three times more likely to experience mental health problems, which in turn can affect their ability to look after themselves physically. The implications for neglecting your health needs as a diabetic are substantial. Results of the scheme so far have seen a staggering 33% reduction in the need to use healthcare services which not only benefits those living with the condition, but also provides considerable cost-savings to the NHS.
HPFT’s director for strategy and integration Karen Taylor said: “This project illustrates the numerous benefits of providing holistic care for people living with long term conditions.
“Overcoming the stigma and treating mental health problems improves people’s wellbeing, so they can self-manage their conditions far more effectively which is fantastic news for them and the NHS.”
Dr Arla Ogilvie, Divisional Director for Medicine at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We are really pleased that by working closely together, our Diabetes and Mental Health teams have been able to offer this new service to improve the lives of people coping with both diabetes and mental health conditions. It’s wonderful that their work has been recognised for this prestigious award.”
MP for Watford Richard Harrington nominated the diabetes team for their outstanding work to improve local services and the team was chosen for the final shortlist of ten nominations for the national awards from over 750 entries. National winners will be announced at a special ceremony in the Palace of Westminster on 4 July marking the NHS’s 70th birthday.