The DESMOND Diabetes team in the South Eastern Trust has been crowned UK Team of the Year by the Leicester Diabetes Centre for delivering high-quality education to people with or at risk of type 2 diabetes and its continually striving to be the best at what they do.
DESMOND which stands for Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed is an NI regionally commissioned patient education programme which provides advice and support to patients who are newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The educational programme contains important information about food, medication, monitoring and managing the condition.
An incredible 42 programmes every year are delivered across the South Eastern Trust to approximately 400 people.
A second award, the Deidre McGowan Educator of the Year, was presented to Former Trust employee, Christopher Henry for making a difference to the lives of people with or at risk of type 2 diabetes. The judges found that Christopher showed an outstanding commitment to the DESMOND philosophy and principles and was dedicated to mentoring fellow Educators, as well as the participant learners.
Dietetic Assistant Practitioner, Christopher Henry reflected, “It is a massive honour to receive the Deidre McGowan DESMOND Educator of the Year award.
“Working in the amazing DESMOND team in South Eastern Trust, with the support from the Dietetic Team Leads, has given me the knowledge, skills and confidence to educate and support people living with diabetes to achieve better health outcomes.”
Commenting on these awards, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics, Elizabeth McKnight stated, “We are delighted to win not one but two UK DESMOND awards recognising the expertise and dedication of our dietitians, nurses and particularly Christopher, our diabetes assistant.
They all go above and beyond to support people living with type 2 diabetes.”
