Mims Davies MP is joining our call for urgent government action to restore care for people living with diabetes.
Mims Davies MP met with Sussex residents in Parliament to show their support for our Diabetes is Serious campaign, which is calling on the government to restore and improve diabetes care.
The MP for Mid Sussex met with Diabetes UK campaigners to pledge their support for the campaign and to find out more about the issues facing those living with the condition.
Caroline Cross and Martin Emmerson, Diabetes UK Campaign Champions from Mid Sussex, met with Ms Davies in Parliament on Wednesday 23 November.
Caroline, who lives with type 1 diabetes, said:
“I have lived with type 1 diabetes for nearly 30 years and was recently appointed as a diabetes champion. I was delighted to meet with Mims Davies MP at the recent Diabetes is Serious event held in Westminster to discuss just how seriously all types of diabetes should be taken and the consequences of poor care and lack of technology for many people. I look forward to working with Mims in reaching a wider audience and making improvements.”
Martin, who lives with type 2 diabetes, said:
“I got involved in the campaign because the care that people with diabetes are getting varies so widely. While I have had brilliant care, some people haven’t seen their diabetes teams in three years and they are scared. I want to help Diabetes UK change that, so everyone gets the care they need to manage their diabetes.”
Earlier this year our Diabetes is Serious report revealed that thousands of people with diabetes are still struggling to access vital care. We warned that despite the tireless efforts of the NHS through the pandemic, many people living with diabetes are still struggling to access the care they need, putting them at risk of serious complications, which can lead to premature death.
Urgent action from the UK government is needed, to support frontline healthcare teams in getting vital services back on track.
Just 39.2% of people diagnosed with the condition in the south east have received all eight of the recommended care checks in 2020/21, according to a report by the NHS. Those from the most deprived areas are least likely to have access to the care they need.
Explaining why she is backing the campaign, Ms Davies said:
“Diabetes cannot wait and I know this from family experience. It’s clear to me, from speaking to campaigners, the delays and gaps in diabetes care are causing tremendous concern. It is hugely distressing for those living with this condition and can have a deep impact on their health and wellbeing. I’m backing Diabetes UK’s call to ‘rewrite the story of diabetes’, so everyone living with diabetes can get the care and support they need to thrive and live well.”
Jill Steaton, head of South East Coast and London for Diabetes UK said:
“Too many people with diabetes have been waiting far too long for the care they need. Diabetes is serious and living with it can be relentless. If people with diabetes do not receive their regular checks and appointments with their healthcare teams, they face increased risk of devastating, life-altering complications and, sadly, early death.
“Action is needed now which is why we’re calling on the new Health Secretary to ensure his plans for the health services prioritise the recovery of diabetes care and to recommit to improving outcomes for people with and at risk of diabetes in his plans for the NHS. We’ll continue to press for a renewed focus on diabetes to get this essential, life-saving care back on track."
