MONDAY, 1 JUNE, 2020

For immediate release

New service provides remote education and lifestyle support for people with diabetes

People in Tayside who have been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can now access healthcare support at home over the phone or through an NHS Digital approved app.

The Diabetes Support Programme was developed and is delivered in partnership with the NHS and Oviva, a clinically-led provider of remote NHS services. The patient pathway was developed in partnership with University of Dundee.

Oviva provides one-to-one support from dietitians, diabetes specialist nurses and psychologists and uses technology to make care more convenient and accessible for people. It was designed and tested by NHS healthcare professionals as well as leading academics in behavioural change.

The programme, which can be delivered through an app or by phone is led by diabetes specialists and focuses on long term behaviour change and diabetes self management. It enables a personalised approach to care, with one-to-one support delivered by diabetes specialists, dietitians and health coaches over 12 weeks.

Declan Fields, dietetic team lead with NHS Tayside said, “People who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes from January to March this year can self-refer to this new programme which will allow them to speak to a specialist coach and track their progress without leaving the house, making it accessible and convenient.

“They will have access to personalised learning resources to use at home, including store cupboard recipes, at-home exercise ideas and stress management. By following the programme, patients can improve their blood sugar and blood pressure, lose weight and reduce their risk of diabetes complications.”

Lucy Jones, Clinical Director for Oviva said, “Recent research and headlines have brought home the risk of coronavirus for people living with type 2 diabetes, particularly if they don't have good control over their blood glucose levels.

“We focus on delivering accessible, engaging and effective support for people remotely to help optimise their blood glucose levels, improve their confidence in managing their diabetes and strengthen their overall health.’

“Having delivered care to over 15,000 NHS patients to date, we are proud to see what people are able to achieve whilst taking part in our programmes, and are delighted to be bringing this service to Tayside.”

A second phase of the programme will be introduced later in the year to increase capacity and accessibility for more people with type 2 diabetes.

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138

Notes to editors:

The programme can be accessed online at www.oviva.com/tayside-diabetes-support.