A consultant in diabetes and endocrinology from Norfolk has been selected as a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion, to help transform care for people living with diabetes in the East of England.
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Dr Jason Cheung (pictured), clinical lead for the inpatient diabetes service at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, was chosen for his passion, and commitment to excellence in diabetes care.
He is one of twenty UK healthcare professionals, including consultants, nurses, GPs, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists and psychologists to be appointed as Diabetes UK clinical champions this year.
Diabetes care can vary widely in different regions, and many people have, and continue to struggle to access the vital services they need to manage their condition well.
We know that these struggles have only been amplified by the pandemic, which has already disproportionately affected people with diabetes. As a clinical champion, Jason will join a two-year leadership development programme, supported by Diabetes UK.
Through his training, he will identify areas in need of improvement and drive vital changes to the diabetes services that people in the East of England receive, at a critical time for people with diabetes.
Jason said: “Being a Diabetes Clinical Champion has already broadened my horizons in further understanding the medical, systemic, and cultural barriers faced by people living with diabetes. In my new role I aim to gain further ground in delivering a safe, supportive, and compassionate diabetes care when they are staying in hospitals, both in my workplace and across the country.
Peter Shorrick, Midlands and East Regional Head at Diabetes UK, said: “Investing in training and upskilling healthcare professionals can help reduce the number of serious diabetes-related complications, and in turn the devastating personal – and economic – costs they bring.
“Clinical champions like Jason play a critical role in improving the treatment and support people with diabetes receive so that they can lead long and healthy lives.”
The award-winning Clinical Champions programme provides leadership development to healthcare professionals, enabling them to improve diabetes care and bring innovative solutions to local problems.
There are now 125 champions across the UK who have access to a network of like-minded clinicians with whom they can share expertise, experience and best practice.
If you are interested in becoming a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion for the 2021-2023 intake please contact clinicalchampions@diabetes.org.uk. This is a Diabetes UK project in collaboration with Novo Nordisk who are providing support and funding.
