FOOT disease due to diabetes has increased in Dorset, new figures have revealed.

NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group has released stats that show between 2011/12 and 2013/14 there were 2,501 episodes of care for diabetic foot disease, accounting for 21,393 nights in hospital.

There were 290 episodes of care where an amputation occurred.

Of these, 99 were major amputations (above the ankle) and 191 were minor amputations (below the ankle).

Of the 904 different patients that were admitted for foot disease, 59 per cent of these had more than one episode of care in three years, and 26 per cent had more than four periods of care - both are significantly higher than the national average.

Those at the top of services say the figures show that local services need to be improved and there needs to be more prevention of Type 2 diabetes.

Dr Craig Wakeham, local GP and member of NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group said: "We recognise that although since 2013 we have seen a decrease in the number amputations for people aged over 17 with diabetes in Dorset, we need to focus on driving this number down and continue to improve services for local people.

"To do this we are committed to working closely with our local partners to ensure any gaps are met, something we will be considering as part of the ongoing Clinical Services Review."

With the number of diabetes-related amputations a week in England having now reached an all-time record high of 135, Diabetes UK is calling on the Government and the NHS to do more to tackle the problem by improving diabetes footcare.

This includes ensuring everyone with diabetes gets good quality annual foot checks and that anyone who has a foot problem gets the right care to prevent or treat it.

Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: "The fact that the total number of amputations is continuing to rise is a huge concern because we know the devastating impact they have on people’s lives.

"As well as the psychological impact, they also cost lives as most people die within five years of having one.

"We have seen some areas making real efforts to improve the poor state of diabetes footcare, but these figures are a stark reminder that there is still so much more to be done.

"For example, not enough people are receiving their annual foot check and those who do often tell us their check was not very thorough."