This meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Diabetes focused on diabetes and foot care. Chaired by Adrian Sanders MP, the meeting was attended by Rt Hon the Lord Morris of Aberavon QC, Lord King of West Bromwich, Lord Harrison, Mr John Leech MP, representatives of the Department of Health and Diabetes UK and members of the press.
Dr Rowan Hillson (National Clinical Director for Diabetes, NHS Diabetes) opened discussion and explained why people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from foot problems and that the result is currently >100 major amputations per week in England. Professor Cliff Shearman (Vascular Surgeon, Southampton), Dr Gerry Rayman (Consultant Physician, Ipswich) and Professor William Jeffcoate (Consultant Diabetologist, Nottingham) went on to explain the preventability of diabetic foot disease with prompt intervention by multidisciplinary diabetic foot teams.
Lord Harrison picked up the point of integrated services. Dr Hillson responded that organisational barriers in the NHS have caused exclusion of staff at the expense of the diabetic foot in some areas. All success stories in reducing diabetes-related amputations come from integrated services. Dr Hilson stressed that boundaries must not become barriers.
Adrian Sanders MP asked exactly what a GP is supposed to do in terms of foot care. Dr Hillson explained that GPs are expected to test feet with a monofilament, as laid out in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). Dr Rayman pointed out that although QOF sets out the tests, it does not explain what actions should be taken next – meaning that some people see a podiatrist when it is not required, while others who need to see a podiatrist do not.
Lord Harrison congratulated the speakers and explained that he would like to get this issue onto the agenda for both Houses of Parliament.
