MP calls for boost in diabetic checks
EAST Runcorn MP Graham Evans has backed a call by Diabetes UK for action to boost diabetes foot care for patients admitted to hospital.
The charity has warned that hospitals are not providing foot checks to more than two thirds of those with the condition upon admission despite it being recommended by the National Institute For Health And Care Excellence (NICE).
Mr Evans attended Diabetes UK’s foot care event at Westminster, where he heard about care for Weaver Vale constituents.
A spokesman for the Conservative MP said one in six patients in hospitals in England has diabetes and should receive a foot risk assessment on admission.
He said that nationally only 29% have their feet checked by hospital staff, meaning infections and ulcers can be missed and develop unnoticed during their stay.
Diabetes UK said there are more than 20 diabetes-related amputations a day in England, many of which could be prevented with the right foot care.
At the charity’s Westminster event, Mr Evans met Ian Piotrowsky, who has had several toes amputated due to his diabetes.
Mr Piotrowsky was keen to share his story with the Weaver Vale MP to high- light the issue of avoidable amputations and help others to avoid what he has gone through.
He is supporting Diabetes UK’s call for everyone with diabetes who goes into hospital, whether the reason for their stay is diabetes related or not, to receive a foot check on admission.
Diabetes UK is urging NHS Trusts to review their systems to improve the level of foot risk assessments carried out.
Following the NICE guidance has been shown to improve care, and have an impact on hospital acquired ulcers, reducing the length of stay and also saving money.
Mr Evans said: “Diabetes UK has highlighted that the majority of people with diabetes are still not getting a foot risk assessment when they are admitted to hospital, or even at any point during their stay, despite this being a clear recommen- ● dation from NICE. It is worrying that such a simple measure which could identify those at risk and protect their feet while in hospital is, in most cases, not occurring.”
Nikki Joule, Diabetes UK policy manager, said: “We are pleased to have Graham Evans’s support on what is a very important issue.
“The NICE guidance has been shown to improve care, and have an impact on hospital acquired ulcers, reducing the length of stay and also saving money.
“It makes good sense to check the feet of people with diabetes. This is a group of people who are more likely to be at risk, especially if their admission is diabetes-related.
“But, even if they are being admitted for another reason, unrelated to their diabetes, they may be more at risk of developing a foot problem while in hospital.”