£100m via specialist diabetes nurses

The NHS could save £100 million if diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) admitted less patients to hospital, new research has suggested.

According to a study by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS trust, 47 less admissions each year by DSNs could equate to a saving of £111,155.

A trial of DSNs working in emergency medical units during the week was undertaken over 12 months and it was found that 42 per cent of diabetics admitted were discharged within a 24-hour period after receiving medical attention from a specialist.

Because the daily bed stay is £215 and the average length is 11 days, the researchers claimed that without the admission of this 42 per cent costs could be reduced.

“Proactive DSN intervention can facilitate more appropriate care and help save money,” said Helen Atkins, a DSN at the aforementioned trust.

“Extending the service to weekends could generate even more savings.”

Obesity, increasing age and physical inactivity are some of the factors believed to increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.