Advanced Diabetes Nurse Practitioner, University Hospitals of Leicester
Helen is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in diabetes, working in the acute care setting at University Hospitals of Leicester and is the lead nurse for diabetes inpatient care. Helen achieved her MSc in diabetes at Leicester University
In 2000 she moved into diabetes after working as a district nurse. Her career in diabetes has allowed her to work in both primary and secondary care which has enabled her to appreciate the challenges in both health care arenas. Helen also has a carer’s view of diabetes having a mother with Type 1 diabetes and fully appreciates the challenges diabetes can bring to the whole family.
Helen is co-chair of the charity Diabetes UK Council of Healthcare Professionals. She is committed to reduce inequalities in care for people admitted to hospital with diabetes and so attends the All Party Parliamentary Group for diabetes on variations of inpatient diabetes care.
As Clinical Champion Helen intends to review current inpatient care for people with diabetes within her trust and ensure current strategies within the emergency department feed into existing pathways of care. Changing to a more pro-active approach and moving towards collaborative working will only enhance and improve diabetes care for patients within this challenging setting. At the same time nursing and medical staff knowledge of diabetes will improve. It is anticipated this would ensure care for people with diabetes is timely and appropriate, and reduce hospital admissions.Â
