Congratulations to staff who are part of Walsall Healthcare’s Diabetes Transformation Projects for being finalists in the HSJ Value Awards Diabetes Care Initiative of the Year – recognising outstanding dedication to making things better in the NHS.
The judging panel comprised a diverse range of highly regarded figures across the NHS and wider healthcare sector. To be shortlisted as a finalist for these awards, despite tough competition from hundreds of brilliant applicants, is a mark of real achievement for the trust. While the Diabetes Transformation Project didn’t win this year it was selected bas ed on its diligence, ambition and the positive impact that the project has had within the wider organisation.
Our project has seen major amputations fall from 18 a year to eight. A Multidisciplinary Diabetes Foot care Team (MDFT) clinic now runs each week and there is a five day diabetic foot service based at Walsall Manor Hospital. The MDFT approach is available daily – whenever a patient requires antibiotics/admission or has poor diabetes control, diabetes consultants are always accessible.
Just under 3,000 patients have been seen over a 12 month period by the team which is also advising colleagues from other trusts on service redesign and expanding its training opportunities.
The Foot Protection Team has been working with patients who are socially disadvantaged to help them access footwear and it has strengthened links with partners to engage with schools and residential homes as well as offering healthy lifestyle and mental health signposting.
Consultant Dr Krishnasamy Senthil-Kumar said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award, recognising the collaborative efforts and dedication of our teams over the last two years to successfully implement our Diabetes Transformation Project.
“We are committed to delivering improved outcomes for patients and the wider organisation, and to be chosen among the other incredible nominees is a wonderful achievement. This nomination has been a tremendous boost to both to our teams and our trust. I am sure it will bolster our continued efforts to improve.”