News story published November 2017
A new standard for all diabetes services in Wales will help young people as they leave paediatric services and start to receive care from adult diabetes services. The All-Wales Standard for People with Diabetes Moving from Paediatric to Adult Services within NHS Wales promotes best practice from around Wales to ensure all young people receive a tailored ‘transition’ of care.
The Standard contains 16 recommendations for diabetes services, based on evidenced good practice that is already in place in some health boards. There are also a range of resources included to help teams working with young people.
“This standard is the product of research into good practice in Wales – learning from specialist clinicians, across all disciplines, in both paediatric and adult services,” says Dr Julia Platts, Clinical Lead for Diabetes in Wales.
“When NHS Wales health boards introduce the recommendations in this standard they will be fulfilling the requirements of the Welsh Government’s Diabetes Delivery Plan and delivering an exemplary service to young people living with diabetes,” says Dr Platts.
The creation of the new Standard has been led by Sara Crowley, the NHS Wales Diabetes Transitional Care Co-ordinator. “The move to adult services is an incredibly important time to get diabetes care right,” says Sara.
“It will set the foundations for the whole of a person’s adult life. This means people with diabetes can successfully manage their diabetes, meaning they can lead longer, more fulfilled lives.”
“This Standard has been produced with insights and ideas from young adults with diabetes and families across Wales. Their contribution has been hugely valuable and I would like to thank them for being involved in this process.”
NHS Wales staff and one of the young adults involved in creating the Standard have been interviewed about the difference that the new Standard can make. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
“My role is to support diabetes services to offer exceptional care to young people moving from paediatric to adult services, and so I am looking forward to working with teams across Wales to introduce the recommendations in this Standard,” says Sara.
Several health boards are already introducing the recommendations from the Standard, including restructuring services to ensure continuity of care and changing how clinics are provided. Sara will be providing advice and support to all health boards as they seek to align services with the new Standard.
Download the All-Wales Standard for People with Diabetes Moving from Paediatric to Adult Services within NHS Wales here in English or Welsh.