RCN response to National Audit Office report on diabetes services

Published: 23 May 2012

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (23 May) responded to the National Audit Office report into the management of adult diabetes services in the NHS. Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:

“This report highlights a disappointing variation in the quality of care for people with diabetes. To improve this poor state of affairs, senior nurse leaders should be at the heart of the new Clinical Commissioning Groups to ensure all people with diabetes get access to specialist nursing care.

“The evidence shows that specialist nurses are often a unique lifeline for patients and families, helping with everything from accessing the most appropriate drugs to giving advice on maintaining good health and wellbeing. Equally, we have shown previously that specialist nurse posts save millions of pounds through reduced complications, fewer hospital re-admissions and better long term management of conditions like diabetes.”

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

2. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nursing staff and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.