Sheffield Teaching hospital’s diabetes foot team have been recognised for almost halving the diabetes-related amputation rate locally.
Their work included setting up a diabetes foot hotline to provide community healthcare workers immediate access to advice and support from hospital-based consultant diabetologists. The enhanced service allows patients to be seen by the specialist team immediately a problem arises.
Sheffield Teaching hospital’s diabetes foot team have been recognised for almost halving the diabetes-related amputation rate locally.
Their work included setting up a diabetes foot hotline to provide community healthcare workers immediate access to advice and support from hospital-based consultant diabetologists. The enhanced service allows patients to be seen by the specialist team immediately a problem arises.
This new care pathway has resulted in major amputation rates dropping by almost 50% compared to 2009.
Dr Rajiv Gandhi, consultant in diabetes at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Being able to reduce amputation rates by almost 50% in such a short period, particularly at a time when national rates have remained static, is a stunning achievement that is having a tangible positive impact on the lives of people with diabetes in Sheffield.”
The team recently won the Best Initiative in Specialised Services category at the Quality in Care Diabetes awards.
As part of the initiative, primary care screeners have also been given improved access to training, and the level of education for patients has increased.
Gandhi added: “People with diabetes, who develop problems with their feet, need to be seen rapidly by the specialist foot team if we are to avoid serious complications like amputations. Working closely together across hospital and community settings, and putting the patient at the centre of the care we deliver, has been the key to the success we have achieved.”
