Newham diabetics to trial new scheme to improve health

Residents with diabetes or those who fear they could develop the disease could benefit from a pilot scheme to get them to be more active.

Newham Community Prescription will be trialled for patients at four GP surgeries in Newham. Its aim is to support people with diabetes to be healthier and to help prevent those who are at risk from developing the disease.

If successful, then NHS Newham Clinical Commissioning Group will look at extending it to people with long-term health problems.

Patients registered at Sangam GP Surgery, in Manor Park; Roding Medical Centre, in Manor Park; Westbury Road Surgery in Forest Gate and Wordsworth Health Centre in Manor Park who fit the criteria will soon be invited by their GP surgery to take part.

The borough has the third highest rate of type 2 diabetes in the UK with 18,577 people, 5.2 per cent diagnosed.

GPs from NHS Newham CCG have created the new service to support people at risk. It will provide a wide range of activities run by local groups to encourage people to be more active.

Dr Elizabeth Goodyear, board member of NHS Newham CCG and a GP in the borough, said: “I encourage people who are registered at these practices and who have diabetes or who are at risk of developing diabetes to get involved.

“Reducing your body weight and exercising regularly can greatly reduce your risk of developing diabetes or help you to manage your diabetes better.

“Local GPs have put together a great programme, so everyone is sure to find something that suits their lifestyle. People can build up their health and increase their social networks doing things that make them healthier and help reduce their diabetes risk.”