New outpatient centre tackles diabetes in Leicester

An outpatient centre aimed at tackling diabetes has been opened in Leicester by diabetes campaigner and MP, Keith Vaz.
The new department will be a renovated and refurbished ward of Leicester General Hospital, bringing together outpatients clinics held at Leicester Royal Infirmary and two General locations, including temporary buildings.
“I am so pleased to see Leicester leading the way in tackling this condition,” said Mr Vaz. “This unit will save lives.
“By having dedicated diabetes services we can treat the condition more effectively and help people manage all aspects of their diabetes in one location”.
Specialist diabetes services
The new centre aims to deliver specialist diabetes services to patients, with this one of a number of service moves that Leicester’s Hospitals are set to commence.
“There are 3.3 million people with diabetes in the UK and an estimated 50,000 in Leicester,” said Mr Vaz. “As a diabetic, I and others will be very happy to have our care managed under one roof”.
The new department will unify services at the General and the Royal, according to Dr Ian Lawrence, head of service for diabetes at Leicester’s Hospitals.
“By offering a more cohesive service we look forward to offering our patients the best possible experience.
“There is improved access compared to the Royal, which is beneficial for patients with foot problems, and we continue to provide comprehensive care for people with type 1 Diabetes”.