WIREDGOV

Many paediatric diabetes units in England are struggling to secure the extra funding made available in April by a new Best Practice Tariff, despite meeting its mandatory standards, NHS Diabetes have warned.

In a letter to paediatric diabetes service providers last week, NHS Diabetes Director Anna Morton asked for a formal progress update on the new Tariff. The letter comes as many paediatric diabetes teams report commissioning groups are looking for loopholes not to have to pay the Tariff while others claim they do not have the necessary funding available.

Struggling to secure funding despite meeting standards

Gavin Terry, Diabetes UK Policy Manager, said, “It is very disappointing that many paediatric diabetes units are struggling to secure the extra funding made available by the new Best Practice Tariff, despite meeting its standards.

“The Best Practice Tariff for paediatric diabetes, and the opportunities it presents for the improvement in care in this highly specialised area, will have a huge benefit for children living with diabetes.

Quality care crucial for management and prevention of complications

“Providing high-quality care is crucial to manage children’s diabetes well and reduce the risk of developing complications now and later in life. We fully support the development work that NHS Diabetes are carrying out in supporting services to meet the standards set out in the Tariff’s 13 areas of care.”

13 areas of care

The ‘Best Practice Tariff for Paediatric Diabetes’ sets out 13 areas of care that must be met for teams to qualify for greater financing. Local services unable to achieve these standards will be supported to improve. However, they face having their funding withdrawn if they are still unable to reach the required level by April 2013.

NHS Diabetes is calling on all healthcare professionals involved in the support and care of children and young people with diabetes to join its paediatric diabetes network to ensure sharing of good practice, up-to-date guidance and education tools. For more information about the Best Practice Tariff and how to join the paediatric diabetes network, email Marie Cummins at marie.cummmins@diabetes.nhs.uk.