Nurse Shortages Endangering Lives Of Children With Diabetes

The report, Access to Health Services, Diabetes UK Primary Care Trust and Local Health Board Progress Survey, on the progress of primary care organisations in 2008 shows that some PDSNs in primary care trusts (PCTs) in England look after more than 150 children, compared to the recommended 70. Such a large caseload does not allow nurses the necessary time to help children manage their diabetes and give them individual advice and support.

The report also shows that the PDSN caseload in 35% of PCTs has increased since 2007, and less than 7% of PCTs have improved their PDSN caseload. This is despite the fact that more than 80 per cent of children with diabetes are not achieving recommended blood glucose levels - the cornerstone of good diabetes management.

"Services must improve now otherwise our children risk developing serious, long term complications of diabetes such as losing their sight or needing kidney dialysis in later life. The Government promised six years ago to improve specialist care and ensure a healthy future for all children with diabetes, but standards remain patchy. It’s high time they delivered on their promise.”