A DIABETES charity is looking for healthcare professionals from across Wales to lead improvements in diabetes care.

Diabetes UK Cymru is searching for consultants, nurses, GPs, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists and psychologists to take part in its award-winning ‘Clinical Champions’ programme, launched in 2014 to address wide variations in diabetes patient care and treatment across the UK.

So far, 85 champions have been recruited and have trained thousands of other healthcare professionals, developed innovative practices, reduced medication errors and increased the number of people getting the appropriate treatment.

New champions will be selected based on their leadership potential, clinical expertise and a demonstrable 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.

Dai Williams, national director for Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time, affecting more than 190,000 people across Wales, the highest prevalence of the condition in the UK. Perhaps even more worryingly, more than 60,000 people across Wales are living with Type 2 diabetes but are yet to be diagnosed.

“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.”

For more information or to apply to become a Clinical Champion for 2019-2021, contact clinicalchampions@diabetes.org.uk or call 020 7424 1052.