Chairman’s Report

Staffing Levels

Being a reflective practitioner, I have considered the content of my report contained within the last Newsletter, which in many respects indicated some positivity, while also acknowledging disappointment in the number of posts still to be filled at the Diabetes Centre.

The charity has still to finalise matters with Health & Community Services (HCS) for us to fund a health professional to deliver pro-active measures to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. As an interim measure we are seeking to employ a health professional to support those individuals who have been identified as being ‘pre diabetes’.

There still exists a need to recruit a number of permanent staff to deliver services provided by the Diabetes Service, despite the Health Minister recently declaring in the media that in general terms, there was not any pressure within HCS in regard to staffing levels. I would argue that in terms of secondary care for those 4,500 Islanders who have diabetes that there exist serious staffing issues.

In late 2019, as part of its request for HCS to review the staffing levels, the charity was advised that HCS would create a part time post to provide a bespoke psychological service for patients, but recruitment to the position has yet to be made. In the knowledge that a number of patients believed that they needed urgent support, the charity has considered the funding or part funding of services from private practice. This has since led to a recent meeting between the charity and a Director of HCS, where the offer has been made for the charity to make a financial contribution and for the latter to use its underspend for the post still to be filled, so that individuals practicing privately can provide some initial support. It is important to get this matter in perspective in that the vast majority of individuals with the condition do not require support, but many of those with Type 1 diabetes and a small nucleus of Type 2 patients who have complications do.

The final draft of the Island Wide Diabetes Strategy was presented to HCS over a year ago for its consideration, prior to its submission to the Minister for his approval and thereafter, the Council of Ministers. As at 17 March, the Minister still awaited receipt of the proposed Strategy. In my view this is not acceptable.

It is pleasing to see that the Retinal Screening Service (RSS) has vastly improved over the past 12 months to the extent that all of those over the age of 12 years, should have by now received an appointment to attend an examination. The charity is a member of the Diabetic Retinal Screening Group which meets twice a year. The Group receives management information on the performance of the department, which currently indicates the Service is meeting the vast majority of its pre-set targets. It is a sad reflection that the remaining aspects of the diabetes service do not appear to be so transparent, but the charity will endeavour to bring about change.

Elsewhere in this Newsletter, there are updates on three particular fundraising activities undertaken by Collette Labey, the O’Haire family and Kirsty Moseley, who between them has raised £30,000. You will also see an article which relates to the gift of £10,000 worth of ‘state of the art’ podiatry equipment from Le Gallais Real Estates Limited, which the charity facilitated the purchase on the company’s behalf. To all, I would like to express the charity’s appreciation.

Bill O Brien Chairman

600 CLUB TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR 2022

Ticket No: Registration: CR-1925-22

Registered with the Jersey Charity Commission No:110 600 CLUB TICKET FOR 2022

The Price of this ticket is £20.00 and entitles it to be entered in the 12 draws to take place at The Cafe Bar, Pomme D’Or Hotel at 8.15am on the first and third Friday of each month, between July and December 2022 Details of the winning tickets for each draw will be displayed on www.diabetesjersey.com and the charity’s Facebook page within 2 weeks of the draw and also in the charity’s newsletter as and when published. Cheques will be sent to the winners at the address they have provided on the Application Form. This Lottery is authorised by virtue of Diabetes Jersey being registered with the Jersey Gambling Commission Promoter: Bill O’Brien, 7 Amitie Court, Links Estate, La Rue A Don, Grouville, JE3 9DB Website: www.diabetesjersey.com and www.facebook.com/diabetesjersey

At the time of publication we only have 150 tickets left. If you wish to purchase a ticket(s) or know of anyone who would be interested in joining the Club (subject to the Terms and Conditions), your interest would be appreciated. Please see the Application Form on page 11 together with Terms & Conditions on the following page.