11 April 2007
We welcome the positive findings which show that the majority of patients are now receiving an annual check up consisting of detailed checks. The findings - taken in conjunction with the clinical measures reported in the quality and outcomes framework – demonstrate that general practice is providing a responsive and effective service for patients with diabetes. The survey also shows that 81.7% of patients reported that they had been involved as much as they wanted to be in decisions about the care and treatment given by their GP practice.
RCGP Chairman Professor Mayur Lakhani said: “This confirms once again that GP services are the most personalised, responsive and patient-centred of all NHS services. The results make GPs surgeries 'best-in-class' in the NHS family.
“We agree that more effort now needs to be put in by PCTs to improve the facilities for education of patients with diabetes, as recommended by NICE. We urge PCTs to respond quickly on plans to establish formal structured diabetes education programmes like DESMOND and DAPHNE and to support practices in accessing and providing such services in the community.”
Ends