This article supports "A little e-learning saves lives", published on page 8 of the 9 November issue of RCN Bulletin.

Su Down, Nurse Consultant and RCN Diabetes Forum member, leads the Somerset Diabetes Specialist Nursing and Dietetics Service which was completely re-designed last year

Can you give some background to the new service?

There’s been a huge service redesign in Somerset over the last three years with focus on diabetes education a fundamental part of the new service.  Knowledge in this area was lacking and needed attention.

How is the service going so far?

The new service has been running successfully for 18 months and includes, of equal importance, structured  educational diabetes programmes for all health care staff and for type 1 and 2 diabetes patients. So far, feedback been excellent.

What was your involvement?

I was one of the main driving forces that pushed for such a high level of diabetes education to be implemented. I also contributed to the education programme which I help deliver across the country.

Why is diabetes education so important?

It’s imperative levels of knowledge and competence increase so we see better long term health outcomes. Added to this, we are facing an increasing population of patients with diabetes and must spend more time looking at pre-diabetes and the prevention of diabetes - all without increased resources.

What do you think of the NHS Safe Use of Insulin module?

All health care providers who prescribe, prepare or administer insulin are encouraged to complete the Safe Use of Insulin module. It’s already mandatory in the acute hospitals here and I’m currently trying to have completion of the module mandatory across Somerset.

What other work have you been involved in?

I’ve been working with Skills for Care over the last year to develop two diabetes qualifications in diabetes awareness and care for unqualified or social care staff – both will be available across England and Wales. I was also involved in the development of An Integrated Career and Competency Framework for Diabetes Nursing - TREND UK