Children and young people praise a ‘life changing’ diabetes service team which has earned a national accolade.
Children, young people and families across Teesside have hailed the personalised care and genuine listening culture of the paediatric diabetes service at the University Hospital of North Tees and University Hospital of Hartlepool.
Investing in Children Membership Award
The service has now received the prestigious Investing in Children Membership Award.
The independent evaluation, carried out by Investing in Children, gathered extensive feedback from children and young people aged 8 to 18 receiving diabetes care at the hospitals.
The review highlighted a culture of listening, shared decision making and genuine service change driven by the needs of the patients.
“Listened to”
The evaluation showed young people say they feel “listened to” and supported
across both sites. Young people described staff who not only take their concerns seriously but actively involve them in decisions about their care.
One nine year old said simply: “I feel listened to” while another young person added: “If I take a suggestion to clinic, they always listen.”
The team was also praised for how clearly they explain treatments and the choices they offer such as sensors and insulin pumps.
A family whose child recently started insulin pump therapy said the team provided “lots of information” so they could make an informed choice. Another parent said the team were “very sympathetic” and “always available,” even offering home visits when needed.
Patient empowerment
Kerry Camara, diabetes specialist nurse, said: “We are delighted to receive such recognition and this prestigious award.
“It means a lot to the team that our patients feel they have a voice and say in how we deliver their care; with choices, options and shared decision making.
“This is vital to promote patient empowerment and protect future engagement of our service users.
“We will continue to gather feedback to inform change and service development and will always aim to achieve the best for our children and young people to promote and enhance their future wellbeing and health.”
In one standout example, a young person described how staff supported them through anxiety about returning to school, making sure they had a safe private space to manage their diabetes.
“They talked to me about my worries and showed me where I could inject at school,” he said.
Developments
Investing in Children pointed out that the service demonstrated numerous developments made directly in out that response to what families told them, including:
- introducing monthly evening clinics to improve access
- increasing flexibility in appointment times
- adding telephone consultations when families cannot attend in person
- setting up psychology support groups and parent tea and cake sessions
- launching enhanced pre pump assessments to better prepare children and families
- creating questionnaires to identify barriers such as transport, neurodivergent needs and transition concerns
After reviewing all evidence, Investing in Children concluded that children and young people “felt listened to” and that staff “went above and beyond,” recommending the service for Membership of the Investing in Children Award Scheme.
The endorsement reflects the team’s commitment to high quality, patient centred care and its efforts to continue developing services in partnership with young people.