People with type two diabetes in west Suffolk are being asked to share their experiences of healthcare following reported improvements.

Healthwatch Suffolk has made the appeal after new figures showed more patients were getting the required support to control blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It follows the introduction of a community diabetes service with specialist hospital diabetes nurses working alongside general practice nurses in 19 west Suffolk GP practices to provide enhanced care.

The west Suffolk area is now ranked 81st of 209 CCGs for diabetes care, with 61% of patients receiving the support they need, compared to a national average of 60%.

Just two years ago west Suffolk was ranked among the worst CCGs for the support available to diabetes patients. Commissioned by NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (WSCCG), the service has been delivered with West Suffolk Hospital.

Jon Ferdinand, from WSCCG, said recently: “It’s a remarkable improvement and although we recognise there is more work to do, this achievement shows how working together can result in improved outcomes for patients.”

Healthwatch Suffolk is now seeking views of people using the service. The organisation has been working with Dr Gerry Rayman at Ipswich Hospital, on a project exploring diabetic foot care services in Suffolk.

“Our ultimate aim is to ensure that these vital services are informed by the experiences of the people using them,” a spokesman said.

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