DIABETES UK is looking for healthcare professionals from west Dorset to lead improvements in diabetes care.

The charity is searching for consultants, nurses, GPs, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists and psychologists to take part in its Clinical Champions programme.

The award-winning initiative was launched in 2014 to address the significant variation in patient care and treatment for people living with diabetes in the UK.

Since the programme began, 85 clinicians have been recruited to develop their leadership skills and become champions for improving diabetes care. Between them they have trained thousands of other healthcare professionals, developed innovative new clinics, reduced medication errors and increased the number of people getting the appropriate treatment for their diabetes.

In Dorset, Agnieszka Graja, diabetes specialist nurse at Dorset County Hospital, became a Clinical Champion in 2017.

The new champions will be selected based on their leadership potential, clinical expertise and a demonstratable passion for transforming care for people with diabetes.

They will be supported with two years of training alongside their clinical work to help them become strong leaders, identify improvements and drive vital change in diabetes services in their local areas.

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK South West regional head, said: “Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time, affecting 4.6million people. That is more than any other serious health condition in the UK.

“When diabetes is not well managed, it is associated with serious complications, including amputation, sight loss, stroke and kidney failure.

“Clinical Champions help transform diabetes care, which in turn reduces the risk of devastating complications and makes a meaningful difference to the lives of people with diabetes.

“We already have four Clinical Champions in the south west and we are hoping very much that we will be able to add to that number, helping to make diabetes care the very best it can be in our region.”

For more information or to apply to become a Clinical Champion, contact clinicalchampions@diabetes.org.uk or call 020 7424 1052.