SPECIALIST DIABETES NURSES

That this House is concerned that the number of specialist diabetes nurses is falling despite the rise in the number of people diagnosed with the condition; notes that 20 per cent. of those currently employed as specialist diabetes nurses are due to retire by 2016; recognises that the majority of GP practice nurses do not have the expertise to take on patients whose diabetes is unpredictable or complex; further notes research that shows hospitals employing a diabetes specialist team can save up to 4.4 million annually on other NHS costs; and calls on the Government to support primary care trusts to recruit and train the number of specialist nurses required to deal with the 2.9 million diabetes sufferers in the UK.