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8
WQ.436/2019
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BY DEPUTY M.R. LE HEGARAT OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 22nd OCTOBER 2019
Question
Will the Minister advise –
- what Consultant Paediatric Diabetologist provision, if any, there is in Jersey;
- whether it is his assessment that any such provision is adequate for the needs of the children who suffer with this disease; and
- if it is his assessment that it is not adequate, what consideration has been given by the department to improve the service?
Answer
- Currently, the paediatric diabetes service in Jersey is provided by consultant paediatricians with specialist interest in diabetes. This is similar to the services provided in a UK district general hospital. One of the senior consultants has regularly seen children with diabetes over the last 13 years and has amassed vast clinical knowledge and skills in diabetes, which he regularly updates. He is supported by his consultant colleagues, a specialist paediatric diabetes nurse and a staff grade doctor. Care for complex cases is managed with advice and support from the diabetes tertiary centre at Southampton General Hospital.
- The consultant paediatricians who look after care for the diabetic paediatric population confirm that their clinical needs are being addressed. However, they acknowledge there is always scope for improvement to support their patients' dietetic and psychological needs. The clinicians are contributing to the work being undertaken in drawing up the co-designed diabetes strategy.
- Audits performed in 2016 and 2017 indicated good control of type 1 diabetes and better than UK standards.
While the clinical needs of diabetic patients are being addressed, there is always scope for improvement, including:
- Introducing insulin pumps in the future. Use of insulin pumps in children comes with added responsibility as they can have side effects. The consultants and nurses are receiving training in using these pumps. The team can provide structured education programmes and advice regarding diet, lifestyle and exercise that is suitable for people using insulin pumps.
- Psychologist and dietetic support can further improve the health of children and alleviate concerns of parents.
- There are ongoing discussions around the role of a visiting paediatric diabetic specialist from Southampton. However, the need would not be more than twice in a year.