The Link: Vol 16 No 2

NHS Diabetes
A series of regional events will be held in March 2012 to launch the NHS Diabetes older people network – with all involved or interested in the field invited to attend.

NHS Diabetes, in partnership with the Institute of Diabetes for Older People (IDOP), is developing a dedicated network to support the improvement of services for older people with diabetes in England. The network will bring together health and social care professionals as well as service users and carers, third sector support groups and other interested organisations. The network will offer information, including tools, guidance, best practice examples, a comprehensive DVD, e-bulletins, blogs and forums. Members can also contribute to the conversation around how to meet the challenge of an ageing population with a rising prevalence of diabetes. 

In March 2012, we are staging four events to get the network up and running. They will feature presentations from Professor Alan Sinclair, of IDOP, who is leading this work, as well as key specialist speakers. There will also be interactive workshops. The locations are:

• Birmingham – 19 March, Arden Hotel.
• Leeds – 22 March, Novotel. 
• Reading – 28 March, Madjeski Stadium Conference Centre. 
• London – 30 March, Wellcome Collection Conference Centre.

To book a place at an event email [email protected]

Details of times and speakers will be announced soon at www.diabetes.nhs.uk/networks/older_people_network/.

To find out more or to join, visit the website or contact one of our network coordinators:

• Midlands and east of England – Binal Anandji, [email protected].
• North – Julia Hobbs, [email protected].
• South – Alison Fowler, [email protected].
• London – Lisa Phillimore, [email protected]. 

Quality in Care Diabetes Programme
The second Quality in Care (QiC) Diabetes Programme will be launched at this year’s Diabetes UK conference in Glasgow, from 7–9 March, recognising good healthcare practice in diabetes.

Supported by Diabetes UK, NHS Diabetes and Sanofi, QiC Diabetes 2012 comprises both an awards event and subsequent opportunities for finalists to explain why their efforts were successful to a wider healthcare audience. 

Visit www.qualityincare.org/diabetes for more details on QiC Diabetes, including details of all the finalists from last year’s awards. The entry deadline is May 2012.

Diabetes UK
The Diabetes UK Policy team has met with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to discuss concerns over the new European Union directive on driving. As a result of these meetings, the DVLA has agreed substantial changes to the driving licence application form. 

Diabetes UK will involve members and supporters in giving feedback on the new form over the next 2 months.

The charity will also produce clear guidance for people about what they should report on the DVLA form, in line with the recently issued guidance for healthcare professionals, which is available at http://bit.ly/AuVvpw. 

It is hoped that this will ensure that fewer people will have their licences revoked, and reduce the delays that people experience in licence applications. Further work with the DVLA is ongoing.

Diabetes UK has launched a new brand reflecting the strategic priorities and includes a new strap line, “Care. Connect. Campaign.”, highlighting the key aspects of the charity’s work. 

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “A new brand is not just about a change in colour scheme and a new logo, but goes right to the heart of who we are and what we do.”

For more information, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/About_us/Who_we_are/Our-new-look/.