MP pledges support for diabetics

WARRINGTON South MP Helen Southworth has pledged her support to a campaign to improve services for diabetics in the town.
The MP is backing calls from charity Diabetics UK to ensure health chiefs fulfil their promise to improve service standards for sufferers as outlined in a national framework published in 2003.
As secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Group for diabetes in Westminster, Mrs Southworth is keen to see the 12 points of improvement that were outlined in the framework be introduced nationally.
She said: “The Government is working hard to put in place the changes set out in the framework in 2003, and improvements can be seen in diabetes services around the country. But more needs to be done, and I am pleased to be supporting Diabetes UK, and more than 7000 people in Warrington who are living with diabetes, to provide better care for all.
“People with diabetes are at increased risk of serious health complications, some of which can reduce life expectancy, including heart disease, stroke and blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment radically improves people’s chance of avoiding complications, so it really is vital that they are able to access the best possible care.
“I will continue to work with Ministers in the Department of Health, and with Warrington PCT and the NW Strategic Health Authority, to make sure that diabetes remains a priority issue, and people with diabetes receive all the help and support they need to best manage their condition.”