Herefordshire programme manager chosen as diabetes champion for the Midlands

A clinical programme manager from Hereford has been selected as a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion, to help transform care for people living with diabetes in the local area.

Jacinta Meighan-Davies, who works for Herefordshire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, was chosen for her passion for, and commitment to excellence in diabetes care.

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. There are more than 10,000 people living with diabetes in Herefordshire. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as sight loss, amputation, kidney failure and stroke.

Diabetes care can vary widely in different regions, and many people struggle to access the vital services they need to manage their condition well. As a clinical champion, Jacinta will join a two-year leadership development programme, supported by Diabetes UK. Through her training, she will identify areas in need of improvement and drive vital changes to the diabetes services that people in the local area receive.
Jactina Meighan-Davies said: “I’m feeling very excited about my role as a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion and will embrace this opportunity to support and enhance local collaboration. I look forward to working with colleagues, patients and carers to increase awareness and promote improvements in the care and support for people living with diabetes in Herefordshire.”
Jactina is one of twenty UK healthcare professionals, including consultants, nurses, GPs, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists and psychologists to be appointed as clinical champions this year.

Peter Shorrick, Diabetes UK Midlands and East Regional Head, said: “Investing in training and upskilling healthcare professionals can help reduce the number of serious diabetes-related complications, and in turn the devastating personal – and economic – costs they bring.

“Clinical champions like Jacinta play a critical role in improving the treatment and support people with diabetes receive so that they can lead long and healthy lives.”

The award-winning Clinical Champions programme provides leadership development to healthcare professionals, enabling them to improve diabetes care and bring innovative solutions to local problems. There are now 105 champions across the UK who have access to a network of like-minded clinicians with whom they can share expertise, experience and best practice.

If you are interested in becoming a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion for the 2020-2022 intake please contact clinicalchampions@diabetes.org.uk or call 020 7424 1052. This is a Diabetes UK project in collaboration with Novo Nordisk who are providing support and funding.