A dedicated nurse from Dorchester has been selected as a Diabetes UK clinical champion, to help transform care for people living with diabetes in Dorset.

Agnieszka Graja, a diabetes specialist nurse at Dorset County Hospital, was chosen for her passion for and commitment to excellence in diabetes care.

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications.

Diabetes care can vary widely in different regions, and many people struggle to access vital services.

As a clinical champion, Agnieszka Graja will join a two-year leadership development programme, supported by Diabetes UK. Through her training, she will identify areas in need of improvement and push for changes to improve the care that people in Dorset receive.

This year the programme has recruited four diabetes specialist nurses, as a recent workforce survey highlighted that almost two thirds are having problems accessing professional development that will enable them to take on leadership roles.

Agnieszka Graja said: “I hope that the clinical champion role will help me to create opportunities for diabetes nurses across the county to build effective working relationships, resulting in better care for patients.

"Working together could help the focus on prevention, as well as keeping patients well, educated, engaged and successfully self-managing their condition, receiving care close to home when it is required.

"My overall aim is to help develop a seamless, integrated diabetes service across Dorset.”

Agnieszka Graja is one of 20 UK healthcare professionals, including consultants, nurses, GPs, dietitians, podiatrists and pharmacists, to be appointed a Diabetes UK clinical champion in 2017.

Annika Palmer, Diabetes UK south west regional head, said: “Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time, affecting more people than any other serious health condition in the UK. Investing in diabetes care in this way will reduce devastating complications, bringing health and economic benefits.

“Champions like Agnieszka Graja contribute massively to our vision of creating a world where diabetes can do no harm.”

The clinical champions programme was launched by Diabetes UK in 2014, in partnership with Novo Nordisk who provide support and funding. There are now 65 champions across the UK, including two in Dorset, who have access to a network of like-minded clinicians.