SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has called for urgent action to deal with the North’s diabetes “epidemic.”
Chairing an all-party group discussing the diabetes, Pat Ramsey lauded initiatives implemented in here but stressed the need for urgent action on the condition in Northern Ireland.
Mr Ramsey said: “Over 84,000 people now live with diabetes here and a further 12,000 people estimated to have diabetes but are unaware of it.
“On 9th June, the Health Minister launched the findings of a Review of Diabetes Services with 11 recommendations to tackle our local epidemic of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and proposed the publication of an Action Plan and timetable to do that. I urge the new Minister to give priority to the diabetes agenda.”
“Scotland has established Frameworks and Standards of Care back in 2001, England and Wales have the National Diabetes Audit.
“We need to acknowledge a crisis and a diabetes epidemic here and plan to tackle it in a way that can be measured. No more delays or excuses should be acceptable. Politics should be about improving people’s lives where and when we can.”
Meanwhile, to mark World Diabetes Day taking place today, Derry City Council will being turning its Strand Road building blue in an effort to raise awareness in the local area for people living with the condition.
Every year, on the 14th November, famous landmarks, buildings and monuments “go blue” for diabetes by lighting up in blue lights to help raise awareness about the condition across the world.
Derry City Council’s offices on Strand Road will join with other famous landmarks around the world that will “go blue” for diabetes helping raise awareness and celebrate the many advances made for people living with the condition.
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