Awards!

 We ended 2011 with the great news that we won not one but two awards at the Diabetes UK Scotland volunteer conference in record. Our chair, May Millward won the Most Creative Volunteeer Award and the group won the Raising Awareness Award.  It is really great that the hard work that all our volunteers put into the group is being recognised at a national level.

February Meeting

Our February meeting had as guest speaker Scott Cunningham from the University of Dundee. Scott gave a very interesting presentation about My Diabetes My Way and in particular Patient Access.  The My Diabetes My Way website (www.mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk) was launched in October 2008 as the official NHS Scotland portal for people with diabetes and their carers. The content has been formally validated both by clinicians and patients and it includes information leaflets, videos and interactive tools. These features help users learn more about diabetes and how the condition can be managed effectively. Usage of the website has doubled over the last twelve months and work continues to raise awareness across the health service and through patient groups.

 Work is continuing to improve the website and to offer more features that can assist in diabetes self-management. In December 2010, the website was extended to allow people with diabetes access to their own healthcare information. So far, more than 300 people have registered an interest in participating, with over 200 now having access.

If you want to find out more go to www. mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk.  and click on "my diabetes".

 Sensational Supporter!

The recently published  Diabetes UK 2010 Impact Report featured one of our  members - "One such superhero is Donal, a one-man dynamo and a 71-years-young member of our Diabetes UK West Lothian Group.

Donal's Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2006 came at the same time he had his left leg amputated as a direct result of the condition. Yet age and disability are no barriers to his inspiration, energy and determination to campaign for a better understanding of diabetes.

From starting up an information service at his local hospital diabetes clinic, Donal has gone on to carry out the same outreach work at doctors' surgeries and local employers' healthcare events around his community.

Donal also makes time to meet with people that have recently undergone limb amputation. His own blend of light-hearted manner and down-to-earth practical advice makes him an instant hit, and a source of encouragement and hope. At the same time he dispenses a no-nonsense patient's view to healthcare professionals working with people living with diabetes and its complications.

His voluntary work touches the lives of hundreds of people in West Lothian."

Diabetes UK Children's Weekends/Holidays

 Diabetes UK offer Children's Support Weekends and Holidays. If you live in West Lothian and have a child with diabetes , the local group may be able to sponsor them  to attend. For more information on the events click here. To apply for sponsorship please contact us