Almost 40% of people with diabetes think that their care in the NHS has deteriorated since the health reforms according to a survey by the charity The InDependent Diabetes Trust.
The survey, called Diabetes 2015: Care in Crisis, of more than 15,000 people found that the 2012 Health and Social Care Act which saw the abolition of primary care trusts and the introduction of clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), has had a detrimental impact on diabetes care.
A total of 32% of respondents said they did not feel their GP or practice nurse knew enough about diabetes and their condition.
Nearly one in four people were not given the appropriate advice and information on diet and excercise at the time of diagnosis.
The charity is calling on the Department of Health to address the findings in the report through a range of recommendations, including the introduction of an organisation similar to NHS Diabetes which no longer exists. The organisation would work with the clinical community to drive improvements in care.
Jenny Hirst, co-chair of the InDependent Diabetes Trust, is concerned that many of the three million plus people with diabetes are not receiving the care and treatment they need and deserve.
‘Not only does this adversely affect their long-term health but this added risk of complications of diabetes increases the financial burden placed on the NHS,’ said Ms Hirst.