Nurse to help champion diabetes care
A nurse from Bath has been chosen as a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion to help improve the care of people living with the condition. Gaynor Kebbell, diabetes nurse facilitator at Bath and North East Somerset Integrated Diabetes Service has been rewarded for her passion for, and commitment to, excellence in diabetes care. As a clinical champion, Gaynor will join a two-year leadership development programme in which she will identify areas in need of improvement and drive vital changes to the diabetes services that people in Bath and North East Somerset receive. Diabetes is caused when there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications. Diabetes care can vary widely in different regions, and many people struggle to access the vital services they need to manage their condition well. Gaynor said: “Effective patientcentred care starts with the people who are delivering it, which is why we need to equip our staff with the skills and training that they need to be competent, both clinically and in their ability to communicate with patients. “I’m delighted Diabetes UK will support me, as a clinical champion, to introduce health coaching for practice nurses and GPS in Bath and NE Somerset.” Annika Palmer, Diabetes UK south west regional head, said: “Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest-growing health crisis of our time, and now affects 4.6 million people across the UK. That’s more than cancer and dementia combined – and more than any other serious health condition in the UK. “Investing in diabetes care in this way will help reduce serious complications, and in turn reduce the devastating personal – and economic – costs that can result from poor management of the condition. “Champions like Gaynor Kebbell play a critical role in improving the services people with diabetes receive, and contribute massively to our vision of creating a world where diabetes can do no harm.” Gaynor is one of 20 UK healthcare professionals, including consultants, nurses, GPS, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists and psychologists to be appointed as a clinical champion this year. The award-winning champions programme provides leadership development to healthcare professionals, enabling them to improve diabetes care and bring innovative solutions to local problems. There are now 85 champions across the UK who have access to a network of like-minded clinicians with whom they can share expertise, experience and best practice.