27/05/2002
Assembly members call for diabetes screening
With national diabetes week around the corner local assembly members have been urging the Health Minister to tackle the issue of diabetes and begin a screening programme for adults and high-risk groups.
The disease, which is said to be “too deadly to ignore” effects around 40,000 people in Northern Ireland. Another 25,000 are unaware they have it according to Diabetes UK.
However reflecting the global trend, the number of people affected by diabetes in Northern Ireland is expected to double by 2010.
Ulster Unionist Mid Ulster assembly member Billy Armstrong has said diabetes is an issue that is “much neglected.”
“Diabetes should be a major issue in the NHS because it accounts for around nine per cent of hospital costs in Northern Ireland which is the equivalent to over £100 million per year.
“As well as affecting a large number of people throughout Northern Ireland the disease also has a major impact on NHS resources. This debate comes at a time when the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety is continually stating that the NHS is severely under funded. It would appear to be clear to me that if the issue of diabetes was dealt with more effectively then the NHS would be able to save a substantial amount of resources.”
In March 2001 the Northern Ireland Taskforce on Diabetes was created. This taskforce is currently working on producing a comprehensive document on diabetes and is expected to publish its findings later in the autumn.
Last week the Northern Ireland Assembly debated the issue of diabetes, proposed by Laganvalley assembly member Ivan Davis. The motion passed last Tuesday acknowledges the serious threat to health and to healthcare resources posed by the rapid increase in the incidence of diabetes, looks forward to the publication of the report of the task force on diabetes and calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to tackle immediately the serious issue of diabetes commencing with a screening programme for those adults who fall within high risk groups.
National diabetes week, which runs from June 9-15, will see fundraising events being hosted all across the country. Walks to raise money for the charity in Northern Ireland will take place in Belfast, Lurgan, Enniskillen and Newtownabbey.
(AMcE)
The disease, which is said to be “too deadly to ignore” effects around 40,000 people in Northern Ireland. Another 25,000 are unaware they have it according to Diabetes UK.
However reflecting the global trend, the number of people affected by diabetes in Northern Ireland is expected to double by 2010.
Ulster Unionist Mid Ulster assembly member Billy Armstrong has said diabetes is an issue that is “much neglected.”
“Diabetes should be a major issue in the NHS because it accounts for around nine per cent of hospital costs in Northern Ireland which is the equivalent to over £100 million per year.
“As well as affecting a large number of people throughout Northern Ireland the disease also has a major impact on NHS resources. This debate comes at a time when the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety is continually stating that the NHS is severely under funded. It would appear to be clear to me that if the issue of diabetes was dealt with more effectively then the NHS would be able to save a substantial amount of resources.”
In March 2001 the Northern Ireland Taskforce on Diabetes was created. This taskforce is currently working on producing a comprehensive document on diabetes and is expected to publish its findings later in the autumn.
Last week the Northern Ireland Assembly debated the issue of diabetes, proposed by Laganvalley assembly member Ivan Davis. The motion passed last Tuesday acknowledges the serious threat to health and to healthcare resources posed by the rapid increase in the incidence of diabetes, looks forward to the publication of the report of the task force on diabetes and calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to tackle immediately the serious issue of diabetes commencing with a screening programme for those adults who fall within high risk groups.
National diabetes week, which runs from June 9-15, will see fundraising events being hosted all across the country. Walks to raise money for the charity in Northern Ireland will take place in Belfast, Lurgan, Enniskillen and Newtownabbey.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 November 2014
Derry City Council To 'Go Blue' For World Diabetes Day
Derry City Council has said it will turn its office building blue to raise awareness for people living in the area with diabetes. To mark World Diabetes Day on 14 November, famous landmarks, buildings and monuments around the world 'go blue' for diabetes by lighting up in blue lights.
Derry City Council To 'Go Blue' For World Diabetes Day
Derry City Council has said it will turn its office building blue to raise awareness for people living in the area with diabetes. To mark World Diabetes Day on 14 November, famous landmarks, buildings and monuments around the world 'go blue' for diabetes by lighting up in blue lights.
19 May 2009
Assembly Debate On Elderly Welcomed
An important Stormont debate on the care of the elderly - that was initially postponed - has now taken place. The British Medical Association in Northern Ireland and members of its Patient Liaison Group welcomed the Northern Ireland Assembly debate 'Health Provision for Older People', yesterday.
Assembly Debate On Elderly Welcomed
An important Stormont debate on the care of the elderly - that was initially postponed - has now taken place. The British Medical Association in Northern Ireland and members of its Patient Liaison Group welcomed the Northern Ireland Assembly debate 'Health Provision for Older People', yesterday.
10 June 2013
10% Of Health Budget Spent On Diabetes Treatment
10% of Northern Ireland's health budget is estimated to be spent on managing diabetes and its complications, according to Health Minister Edwin Poots. Mr Poots said projections estimate the proportion could rise to 17% in just over two decades.
10% Of Health Budget Spent On Diabetes Treatment
10% of Northern Ireland's health budget is estimated to be spent on managing diabetes and its complications, according to Health Minister Edwin Poots. Mr Poots said projections estimate the proportion could rise to 17% in just over two decades.
09 March 2005
Experts discuss diabetes at Belfast conference
Local diabetes and public health experts today met to discuss the increasing numbers of sufferers of both Type 1 and Type 2 of Diabetes in Northern Ireland.
Experts discuss diabetes at Belfast conference
Local diabetes and public health experts today met to discuss the increasing numbers of sufferers of both Type 1 and Type 2 of Diabetes in Northern Ireland.
01 March 2005
Belfast to host diabetes and public health conference
A joint conference to highlight the links between public health and diabetes is being organised by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Diabetes UK Northern Ireland.
Belfast to host diabetes and public health conference
A joint conference to highlight the links between public health and diabetes is being organised by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Diabetes UK Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.