We are very proud of Dr Gemma Paszek, Lead Clinical Psychologist in our Physical Health Psychology Service, who is part of the Young Adult Diabetes Service at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which has been shortlisted in the Quality in Care (QiC) Diabetes Awards 2024.
The team, funded through an NHS England Pilot Scheme, have developed innovative care provision for young adults 18-25 years with diabetes. The team have adopted a fully integrated approach, placing the psychologist and dietician as core members of the team, providing joint clinic appointments with a consultant endocrinologist and diabetes specialist nurse. Young adults typically have poorer blood sugar control than children and older adults, leading to long lasting negative health impacts. The team are an excellent example of the benefits of the true integration of physical health and mental health provision and they have seen some remarkable benefits for the young adults they are working with, including dramatic reductions in hospital admissions and increased stability in blood sugars.
Winners will be announced on 31 October 2024.