Diabetes UK is urging 16 healthcare workers across the UK to become clinical champions to support and improve the care of people with diabetes.
The roles are open to anyone working in healthcare who have experience working with diabetes, including diabetes specialist nurses. The position will last for two years, and will be supported with a package of training materials. The initiative will also create four local improvement networks across the UK, to share examples of innovation and best practice.
Amy Rylance, head of healthcare professional engagement at Diabetes UK, said: 'Clinicians are uniquely well placed to be able to identify how diabetes services can improve, but all too often they are left frustrated and unable to deliver change.'
In 2014, Diabetes UK recruited 10 clinical champions for the first time, including several diabetes specialist nurses. The champions have since spearheaded a number of initiatives aimed at improving the care received by people with diabetes.
Ruth Miller, lead diabetes nurse at the Royal Free NHS Trust and one of the 2014 clinical champions, said: 'My current focus is on the development of training intended for non-specialist clinicians. It is divided into three modules, inpatient training, community training and mental health worker training (in diabetes). It does not aim to create diabetes experts but recognises that all clinicians must possess a set of core competencies in order to keep their patients safe.'
Ms Rylance added: 'There is a diabetes crisis in the UK. 3.2 million people are diagnosed with the condition and a further 630,000 people have the condition but don't yet realise it. In addition, we face massive variation in patient care, treatments and health outcomes across the UK.'
The deadline for entries is 30 March 2015. To apply, visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/Clinical-Champions-Recruitment