Healthcare Commission report reveals diabetes service gaps
Less than a sixth of primary care trusts in England received an overall
score of “good” or “excellent” in the Healthcare
Commission’s report on diabetes services, published this week (PDF 2.3MB).
The Healthcare Commission points out that, although some three quarters
of PCTs received a “fair” assessment, meeting minimum requirements
and reasonable expectations of the public, improvements can be made.
Most people with diabetes were found to have checkups with a health care
professional at least once a year, where most key tests were carried
out. Most reported that they know enough about when to take their medicines
and how much to take.
However, the report reveals that one to two thirds of people across all
PCTs do not have an agreed plan to manage their diabetes.
The watchdog suggests that PCTs should increase the number of people
with diabetes attending education courses, work more closely with all
organisations providing and commissioning diabetes services, and aim
to reduce service variation between general practices.
Paul Bennett, chairman of the English Pharmacy Board of the Royal Pharmaceutical
Society, said: “The Healthcare Commission’s report highlights
the need for increased support in the management and diagnosis of diabetes.” He
said that community pharmacies are well placed to provide such support
through testing services for people who manage their own condition. He
added that problems with commissioning of local services by PCTs remain
a barrier for pharmacy, an issue that the board will work to address.
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