Annette Brooke MP backs Diabetes UK's call to inconsistent NHS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 24th Apr 2008

Mid Dorset and Poole North MP, Annette Brooke, is backing leading health charity Diabetes UK in calling for the Government to review its progress towards delivering on its own 2013 standards for diabetes services.

In 2003, the National Service Framework (NSF) for Diabetes set out a vision for diabetes services in England to be delivered by 2013. Half way through the ten year plan, Diabetes UK's new 'Five years on… Are we half way there?' report reviews the NHS's progress in achieving person-centred, co-ordinated care that aims to ensure fewer people develop diabetes and better care for those who have the condition. Annette Brooke MP attended the launch of the new report at Westminster on Wednesday 23 April.

The report's findings show that patchy NHS services are putting almost 1.9 million people with diabetes in England at increased risk of serious complications, some of which can reduce life expectancy, including heart disease, stroke and blindness.

Annette said:

"I was delighted to meet up with my constituent Neill Evans in the House of Commons. Neil Evans from Corfe Mullen, aged 80, recently did a parachute jump to raise funds for Diabetes. He has had diabetes for 52 years and is giving amazingly positive messages to newly diagnosed young people with the condition. However, there is much to do. I fully support Diabetes UK's call for the Government to conduct its own national review of progress made to date in delivering the 2013 NSF standards and targets. I would urge PCTs in Mid Dorset and Poole North to refocus energies to support what the NSF set out to achieve so people with diabetes receive the best care possible."