Charity Diabetes UK has urged senior pharmacists to volunteer to become local ‘clinical champions’ and improve services for the condition.

There were 16 roles available for “enthusiastic” healthcare professionals who were experienced in treating diabetes patients and had the “potential to lead real change”, Diabetes UK said on Wednesday (February 18).

The first cohort of 10 champions was recruited last year and included consultants, GPs and diabetes specialist nurses, it said. These clinicians were “already delivering inspiring transformations” in diabetes care in their areas, but the charity would “definitely like to see senior pharmacists apply” this year, it stressed.

“We feel they have the necessary influence to make a real difference in their area,” Diabetes UK said.

The charity launched the initiative because it “wished to empower clinicians to improve services and be best practice leaders”, it said. As part of the two year voluntary role, individuals would receive a bespoke package of support and training provided by manufacturer Novo Nordisk, it said.

“Clinicians are uniquely well-placed to be able to identify how diabetes services can improve, but all too often they are left frustrated and unable to deliver change,” said Diabetes UK head of healthcare professional engagement Amy Rylance.

There was a “massive variation” in the treatment of diabetes patients across the country, despite “growing evidence” that ensuring services were delivered effectively could improve care without spending money, Ms Rylance stressed.

Pharmacists have until March 30 to download an application pack from the Diabetes UK website.

 

 

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