Improving access to high quality diabetes care in Enfield and Haringey recognised at national awards
North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust’s efforts to improve access to high quality diabetes care for babies, children and young people in Enfield and Haringey has been recognised following the announcement that it is a finalist at the prestigious HSJ Digital Awards 2023.
The Trust’s babies, children and young person’s multidisciplinary diabetes team has been shortlisted in the Reducing Health Inequalities Through Digital award for the work it has done to increase the number of patients using insulin pumps and flash continuous glucose monitoring. Effective use of both has been proven to improve the quality of life and clinical outcomes of those living with the condition.
The team worked with patients and their families to understand what more could be done to help them manage their condition independently and provide them with the same opportunities and services as those living in affluent areas. The team delivered a range of initiatives, including providing laptops for families to help monitor and understand their blood glucose readings, increasing insulin pump therapies and working in collaboration with local partners to provide glucose monitoring systems. This resulted in more accessibility to available technologies in diabetes management. These initiatives have assisted patients, and their families to feel more confident in managing diabetes from home, particularly those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. The team's work in the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has significantly improved clinical outcomes, particularly for HbA1c (a test that monitors average blood glucose), and is leading to better long-term health outcomes and reduced complications in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Davina Jean-Jacques, paediatric diabetes nurse specialist, said: “I am thrilled with this national recognition for the incredible work the children’s diabetes team at North Mid does to support our local communities living with diabetes. It’s important to us that we make every effort to remove any obstacles for children and their families in managing their diabetes and the team have worked hard to make this a reality.”
The HSJ Digital Awards bring together NHS leaders to celebrate excellence in digitising, connecting and transforming health and care. See the full list of finalists on the HSJ website.