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John Pugh MP backs call for
local action to improve poor state of diabetes care
SOUTHPORT MP, John Pugh, has backed a
call by Diabetes UK for local action to improve the poor state of diabetes care,
which is fuelling a major health crisis.
Mr Pugh attended Diabetes UK's parliamentary launch of its State of the Nation
2015 report, which has highlighted that across the country many people with
diabetes are not getting the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
recommended annual checks that they need to manage their condition. This is
leading to record rates of complications, avoidable deaths and huge costs to the
NHS.
The NHS spends £10 billion annually on diabetes, but 80% of this cost is spent
on complications such as blindness, amputations and stroke that could be avoided
if the person got the right healthcare in the 1st place.
Diabetes UK is urging clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to put in place an
action plan to improve healthcare for people living with diabetes in their
communities and ensure people are supported to manage their condition
effectively.
Mr Pugh said:- "Diabetes UK’s State of
the Nation report shows that many people with diabetes are still not getting the
recommended level of healthcare. This is leading to thousands of people with the
condition developing life threatening health complications such as blindness and
amputations. This is not only personally devastating to those affected but is
also leading to huge costs to the NHS. While some areas are providing good care,
action is needed so that all people with diabetes receive quality healthcare no
matter where they live. This is why I will be writing to the Health Secretary to
call on him to outline how he intends to improve the current state of diabetes
care so that everyone with diabetes gets the care and support they need to
manage the condition."
Robin Hewings, Diabetes UK Head of Policy, said:- "We are pleased to have
John Pugh's support on what is a very important issue. The poor state of
diabetes care is fuelling a health crisis that if left unchecked threatens to
bankrupt the NHS. Ten per cent of the NHS budget is spent on diabetes, but about
80 per cent of that is spent treating complications such as blindness,
amputation and stroke. Meanwhile, not enough is being invested in good
healthcare which could avoid these complications in the 1st place. Our State of
the Nation report shows that with better integrated services and support to
enable people to self manage their condition, the NHS can save lives and money.
This is why we are calling for local clinical commissioning groups to implement
these measures as a matter of urgency. With the right support in place, people
with diabetes can lead long, healthy lives."
The State of the Nation report can be downloaded from:-
Diabetes.Org.UK.
Diabetes UK has produced its 15 Healthcare Essentials, which sets out the
quality of care people with diabetes are entitled to. It is available at:-
Diabetes.Org.UK/15-Essentials.
Takeda UK Ltd has financially supported the production of the State of the
Nation report; it has had no input into its development or content.
Letters to the Editor:-
"Cars that are parked irresponsibly on pavements"
"CARS that are parked irresponsibly on
pavements can cause a potentially dangerous obstruction for pedestrians as it
can force them onto the road and into the path of vehicles. Newly released
research by YouGov has shown that ⅔ (74%) of people are affected by vehicles
parked on the pavement. Some groups; including people living with sight loss,
older people or those with buggies; are at greater risk. 91% of respondents
living with sight loss who responded to a Guide Dogs survey said that parked
cars on the pavement regularly obstruct them. You can see how dangerous pavement
parking can be in real-life video footage, filmed from a guide dog's view, of a
guide dog and their owner having to go out into the road to get around a car
at:-
YouTube.com/watch?v=oMQt-cfEFsg. I am urging
the public to ensure they don't park on the pavement." Phil from
Liverpool. |
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Widnes Vikings,
NHS Halton CCG and Halton Borough Council will join forces in World
Record attempt
ON 5 February 2015, Widnes
Vikings, NHS Halton CCG and Halton Borough Council will join forces
to stage an official Guinness World Record attempt involving local
businesses, school children and Halton residents.
The World Record attempt at 11am will launch the:- 'Big Viking
Health Kick-Off', a campaign to raise awareness about the
importance of knowing your blood pressure and will coincide with the
kick off to the Super League season, at 8pm, the same day.
The registration portal has been inundated and over 2000 people have
already registered to take part in the World Record Attempt. The
Vikings are encouraging anyone that would like to join in to
register as soon as possible to avoid missing out as the number of
participants will be capped at 4000.
A number of well known figures are supporting the World Record
Attempt. Super League General Manager Blake Solly is 1 of the high
profile people associated with Rugby League that has pledged his
support:- "It is great to be able to support Widnes Vikings,
NHS Halton CCG and Halton Borough Council as they attempt to enter
the Guinness Book of Records. This Super League season ushers in a
new era for the sport. There would be no better way to start that
new era than by breaking a world record and creating a fantastic
atmosphere at the opening match of the season."
The full Widnes Vikings Academy squad will also be taking part.
Shane Eccles, Vikings Player Development Manager commented:-
"The Academy players are looking forward to taking part in the World
Record Attempt next week. They have all signed up and are excited
about getting involved in such a great community event on the pitch
where they train and play. The players have been working hard
through pre season and are looking forward to the upcoming season.
The chance to become world record breakers on the brink of the
season will be a fantastic opportunity and the players are keen to
do their bit to raise awareness of the:- "Big
Viking Health Kick-Off". Individuals wishing to take
part in the World Record attempt must sign up online as soon as
possible and before the registration deadline at:- 12pm, on
Wednesday, 4 February 2015. You can register on our
website."
The World Record attempt will begin at 11am prompt on 5 February
2015 and will take the form of a 10 minute light fitness
programme suitable for all ages and abilities. Guinness World Record
officials will moderate the World Record attempt.
The current World Record for the most people exercising to a fitness
video is set at 2,958 participants. This was recorded in Beijing,
China, on 28 September 2013 and was achieved by the Organising
Committee of the National Community Care Campaign (China).
On Thursday, 5 February 2015, the Vikings aim to beat this figure to
put Halton in the record books! Everyone that takes part in
the World Record attempt will not only be in with the chance of
becoming a World Record holder, but will also be given a brilliant:-
'thank you' gift from Widnes Vikings. Every adult and
child that participates in the World Record attempt exercise session
on the morning of 5 February 2015 will be rewarded with:-
'FREE ACCESS' to the:- 'First Utility Super League
Season Opener'.
On 5 February 2015, at 8pm, Widnes Vikings take on Wigan Warriors at
the Select Security Stadium. Each 'Record Breaking'
adult will receive a:- 'FREE ACCESS PASS' (RRP £20
to £23). Each 'Record Breaking' child (under 16) will
receive a pass for themselves and 1 for an accompanying adult to
bring them to the stadium for the fixture. (Adult and Junior RRP £30
to £36). Access passes may be redeemed on a 1st come 1st served
basis, for the West Stand, at the Select Security Stadium.
Each participant will also receive
a certificate on the day to acknowledge that they have taken part in
an official World Record Attempt.
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