A New Dawn for Diabetes Care: Local Patient Network Hosts Vital Conference.
East Staffordshire's Diabetes UK Patient Network recently convened a crucial conference, bringing together patients, professionals, and communities to forge a new path for diabetes care. This vital event focused on improving prevention, education, and support across the region.
By Tom Drysdale
Arriving at Branston Golf & Country Club on a recent morning, I found myself navigating the reception before being kindly directed to the Pavilion. I then quietly slipped into a conference, where the critical topic of discussion centred around eye-related diabetes conditions.
The conference, aptly titled "Patient Care, A New Dawn," brought together a diverse group of voices. Guest speakers included individuals from various communities, patients themselves, and dedicated medical professionals. The core focus of all discussions revolved around advancing diabetes care, prevention strategies, and charting a new path forward.
The entire event was meticulously planned by John Bridges, the passionate Chair of the East Staffordshire and Surrounds Diabetes UK Patient Network. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes two decades ago, John has witnessed the condition affect his wife, eldest son, and granddaughter, fuelling his fervent advocacy for diabetes care and support.
"We are a network for people who have got diabetes, their carers, their families, and anybody who is interested in diabetes," John stated, articulating his mission to foster active dialogue between patients and care providers.
“I am trying to get the two together. I have made the aim of today to say we need to change what we are doing now. It is not working, but that is why the event is called ‘A New Dawn’.”
He further emphasised the importance of listening: "It is about listening to what people have to say this afternoon. Medical professionals get to see here what patients are saying, and plan what they are going to do moving forward." John stressed that healthcare providers must shift their focus towards prevention
Strong Turnout and Key Insights
The Pavilion buzzed with attendees representing all facets of the diabetes landscape – from medical professionals and advocacy groups to affected communities and those simply seeking to learn more. John was visibly thrilled with the attendance. "I am absolutely thrilled with the turnout," he remarked. "The things we learn today I am going to take away in a report that I will present to my integrated care colleagues in Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent. This will help model and form diabetes strategy going forward."
Community and Connection: Mayoral Perspective
Among the attendees was Kim Smith, the new Mayor of East Staffordshire, and a familiar face to our station! She highlighted the positive impact of such a diverse gathering. "One of my aims as mayor is to bring as many communities together as possible; to see events like this where people from different backgrounds are working together is really important."
As someone also personally affected by diabetes, Mayor Smith underscored the critical need for events that bridge the gap between patients and care providers. "The more we have these conversations, and take action from them, we can help foster better patient outcomes."
Bridging Gaps in Diverse Communities
Peter Shorrick, Head of the Midlands and East of England for Diabetes UK, echoed the sentiment on the importance of diverse audience participation. He pointed out that "the prevalence of diabetes is four to six times in diverse communities." He stressed, "So the more we can communicate with other communities, the South Asian community in particular in Burton, the better. We need to integrate these communities; we need to understand each other’s needs and cultures to make a difference."
Medical Professionals: A Collaborative Approach
Dr. David Atherton, Clinical Director at East Staffordshire Primary Care Network, deemed the conference "hugely important." He explained, "I think that sometimes, as people who work in the medical profession, we lose sight of what is best for patients and sometimes put our organisations first. Each organisation has limited resources, so what we need to do is work together as providers of care for patients with diabetes and tackle these issues collectively."
Local Impact and Awareness: Burton Unity's Role
Shamreen Gulzar, CEO & Co-Founder of Burton Unity – a group dedicated to engaging community members in sports activities for physical health, mental well-being, and social connections – was one of the event's speakers. I spoke with her about how diabetes affects her community, learning that multiple family members are personally impacted by the condition.
"There is not a lot of awareness around diabetes in the community. There are many people, like my mother, who are or were pre-diabetic and do not know about it at all," she revealed. "We as a community need to raise awareness to those at risk, and events like this allow us to do so." She also reiterated the crucial need for ongoing dialogue among medical professionals, care providers, and patients receiving care.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Path for Diabetes Care
The conference at Branston Golf & Country Club, orchestrated by John Bridges and the East Staffordshire and Surrounds Diabetes UK Patient Network, clearly marked a pivotal moment for local diabetes care. The overwhelming turnout and the diverse range of voices, from patients and community leaders to medical professionals, underscored a collective commitment to fostering a healthier future.
The emphasis on moving towards prevention and education, coupled with a stronger integration of diverse communities, highlighted key areas for improvement. It's evident that by bridging the gap between care providers and those living with diabetes, and by fostering open dialogue and mutual understanding, we can truly achieve the "New Dawn" that John Bridges envisions. This event wasn't just about discussions; it was about laying the groundwork for a more effective, compassionate, and collaborative approach to tackling diabetes across East Staffordshire and its surrounding areas.
Have a positive community story to share? Email Tom Drysdale at tom.drysdale@burtonecho.co.uk, and we’ll do our best to bring it to life!
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