'Just do it, 'cos I've got your back!' Diabetes care: the West Cheshire Way

摘要

As the incidence of diabetes reaches epidemic proportions and the NHS is faced with increasingly limited resources, innovation, adaptation and change are essential for the maintenance of excellent care. The energy and strengths of all health and allied health care professionals as well as carers involved in looking after people with diabetes must be harnessed in ways that are optimal for any given population and locality. We believe that the future lies in integrated care - care that is guided by and based upon the needs and preferences of people with diabetes, commissioned by clinical commissioning groups and delivered by specialists, and primary care, community and ambulance services working collaboratively, with a strong focus on research and development. Integrated care must be multi-faceted to encompass the complex needs of people with diabetes in this day and age, and must be based on strong relationships with teams that transcend institutional barriers and on communication that is open, honest and in real time.There are great examples of innovative care around the country, and the West Cheshire Way of delivering diabetes care described in this article is just one such example, that has worked for us as a community. The imperative, however, is that we continue to share ideas, experiences and good practice to keep improving and enhancing care for people with diabetes.