News Releases

Launch of Passport for Diabetes in Care Settings

The charity, the InDependent Diabetes Trust (The Trust), in partnership with the Institute of Diabetes for Older People (IDOP) and the English Community Care Association (ECCA), announce the launch of their new ‘Passport’ for people with diabetes in care settings. The Passport is intended to be used in settings such as residential homes to provide carers with vital information about their clients’ diabetes needs.

Jenny Hirst, The Trust’s Chair commented; ‘There are high numbers of people with diabetes in residential care, especially the elderly and people with learning disabilities. We are particularly concerned at the high numbers of unnecessary hospital admissions in these vulnerable groups. Through no fault of their own, many care homes are underfunded and have very little access to the training necessary to manage diabetes. The Passport is intended to provide greater understanding of the needs of people with diabetes and will benefit both the care staff and those with diabetes.’

The Trust, IDOP and ECCA have joined forces to highlight the urgent need for greater understanding of diabetes and the training and support that is required. By following some very simple steps outlined in the Passport, care staff can manage people’s treatment, which in turn should help avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

Professor Alan Sinclair, a world-renowned expert in diabetes and Director of IDOP commented: ‘Our current research shows that the proportion of residents in care homes with diabetes has approached 27% . We know that many care homes want to improve the quality of care for this large group of people, so this invaluable Passport should bring simple but dramatic improvements, by ensuring the vital sharing of patient information.’ He added, ‘we are currently analysing the results of the first ever National Care Homes Diabetes Audit, which should also give us a better insight into the difficulties of providing enhanced care.’

Finally, Martin Green, ECCA’s CEO commented: ‘Our Passport is an extremely practical booklet. It will help staff in care homes and also community and acute health services, to really understand the person with diabetes and help them to deliver appropriate care and support. The Passport’s publication will help both residents and staff manage diabetes more appropriately.’

Free samples of the ‘Passport for Diabetes in Care Settings’ are available by contacting IDDT at: martin@iddtinternational.org, calling Martin on 01604 622837 or order the printed version via the – IDDT Leaflets order form.
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Notes to Editors:
Further information about the 3 organisations:
InDependent Diabetes Trust: www.iddtinternational.org
Institute of Diabetes for Older People: www.instituteofdiabetes.org
English Community Care Association: www.ecca.org.uk

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Veronica Wray:
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