Cutting-edge technology transforms diabetes care across south London

L-R: Tara Donelly, Chief Digital Officer, NHSX; Oliver Brady, Head of Diabetes Transformation, South West London Health and Care Partnership; Karen Broughton, Director of Strategy and Transformation, South West London Health and Care Partnership; Vicky Parker, Programme Lead, London Diabetes Clinical Network and Ben McGough, Workstream Lead – Digital, NHS Diabetes Programme.

South London clinicians and partner organisations gathered together at Guy’s Hospital last night (30 October) to launch a brand-new diabetes service called You & Type 2.

After receiving over £500,000 funding from the NHS Test Bed programme, the You & Type 2 service is now being piloted across south London. The service combines innovative technology, improved access to services and a personalised approach.

The ambition of the project is help people living with Type 2 diabetes to have happier and healthier lives by enabling them to have more control over their care.

Designed to provide a range of further education, support and resources, You & Type 2 enables patients to work with their healthcare provider to produce a unique care plan. Part of the service is an app that will allow patients to access and update their care plan when it suits them and receive personalised videos containing recent test results, which will prepare them for informed discussions with clinicians.

Healthcare professionals using the service can update the app in real time, offering tailored support to patients. This means they are equipped to deliver the best patient-centred care, with the support of innovative technology that is linked to personal health data and individual goals.

Thirty-five GP surgeries across south London are now piloting the service, which is expected to be rolled out more widely in 2020. Clinicians who are already using the service have reported improved knowledge and skills, alongside greater job satisfaction and increased levels of team work. So far, over 1000 patients have already created their own care plans, working closely with their healthcare professionals to make something personal and meaningful to them.

A group shot of the partners involved in the You & Type 2 service

Speaking from the service launch event last night at Guys Hospital, local GP Dr Neel Basudev, Clinical Lead for You & Type 2, said: “This is such an exciting and different way to treat people living with type 2 diabetes. We know that being diagnosed and living with a long-term condition can feel overwhelming, but by using innovative technologies and working collaboratively with patients, this service helps them to overcome difficulties and improve their overall health and happiness.

“This is an exciting opportunity and I can’t wait to see how this develops and the impact it has on people’s lives, not only in my practice, but in practices across south London.”

Victoria Parker, Programme Lead for London Diabetes Clinical Network, NHS England, said: “This is such an innovative digital service and I’m happy to be here for the launch. The NHS long term plan speaks of personalisation and patient centred care.

“This service captures the essence of the long-term plan but also pushes it to a new level, offering better care and support for those with Type 2 diabetes as well as creating a model of care for any long term condition. I am excited to see where this project goes next and for the opportunities it presents for spread and adoption across London.”

For more information on the programme visit youandtype2.org

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Health innovation body in south London scoops Financial Times/VitalityHealth healthiest workplace prize

HIN has been recognised as one of Britain’s Healthiest Workplaces in the prestigious Financial Times/VitalityHealth Britain’s Healthiest Workplace competition.

Health Innovation Network wins healthy workplace award in prestigious Financial Times/VitalityHealth competition from Health Innovation Network on Vimeo.

A south London organisation that promotes the spread of health and care innovations into the NHS is the healthiest small new entrant in the prestigious Financial Times Britain’s Healthiest Workplace survey.

The Health Innovation Network in south London, which employs 70 staff including nurses and paramedics, offers free yoga and mindfulness classes as well as ‘standing up’ desks, showers for running and cycling clubs. It also promotes a book club and discourages staff from engaging with emails after 7pm or at weekends.

“We want to make sure people switch off, so we have a curfew to help our staff recharge. You need to be with your family and friends in your free time,” says chief executive Tara Donnelly. Tara switched off digitally on holiday in August for two weeks.

“I’m delighted that we have won such a prestigious award and against such tough opposition. We take pride in promoting healthier living for all of our staff and encouraging colleagues in the NHS to do the same. Given we are in the business of innovating in health care and helping people take healthy decisions it is only right that we seek to do the same as an organisation.

“We are very proud of our staff at the Health Innovation Network. We need to look after them and keep them. It makes sense morally and it makes business sense,” she added.

Britain’s Healthiest Workplace was developed by VitalityHealth and is delivered in partnership with the Financial Times, RAND Europe, University of Cambridge and Mercer

Britain’s Healthiest Workplace aims to celebrate organisations that have an outstanding approach to their employees’ health and wellbeing and is one of the UK’s largest and most comprehensive surveys into employee health.