McLeod welcomes success of new Diabetes care programme

> SNP MSP for the South of Scotland Aileen McLeod has welcomed the success of a new trial programme which has seen dramatic changes in the care of patients in the region who have diabetes.
>
> The ‘Think, Check, Act’ programme, which has been run by Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Quality Improvement Hub and funded by the Scottish Government, has seen dramatic changes in the care of patients who have diabetes.
>
> The test wards – one of which was in Dumfries & Galloway – saw a 20 per cent reduction in the incidence of hypoglycaemia – a potentially dangerous drop in blood sugar. In one particular ward, appropriate management of hypoglycaemia increased from 39 per cent to 92 per cent.
>
> The programme included an education package for ward staff, use of visual reminders in the ward environment, the introduction of ‘hypo boxes’ – ready made kits for the treatment and prevention of hypoglycaemia, training in improvement methods and support from improvement experts.
>
> Between 15 and 20 per cent of hospital inpatients have diabetes. The aim of the programme are to reduce complications associated with hospital stays, improve the care that patients receive, regardless of which ward provides their care, as well as recuing the cost to the NHS.
>
> SNP MSP Aileen McLeod MSP said:
>
> “I’m delighted that NHS Dumfries & Galloway has been able to benefit from this important trial. I believe improving the care of people with diabetes in the region’s hospitals is vital and I’m glad to see progress being made.
>
> “Diabetes treatment and prevention is a priority for the SNP in government and it is vital we get the care right for patients, in both primary and secondary care settings. The results from this study is very encouraging and shows Scotland can still lead the way when innovating care services for patients.
>
> “I look forward to other regions following Dumfries & Galloway’s lead by taking part in the initiative and seeing similarly positive results.”
>