Fear over high incidences of diabetes foot amputations in England

Patient groups are warning that major differences in the rate of foot amputations for people with diabetes in England are becoming increasingly concerning.

 

Amputations which are linked to diabetes are a sign patients have not received adequate care, as poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of foot infections and ulcers.

 

Government data has shown that one in ten areas had “significantly higher rates”, with a nearly five-fold difference between the best and worst when taking into account risk factors such as age.

 

Diabetes UK said the figures “shined a light on the scale of the crisis facing diabetes care” and warned that access to support was likely to have become worse during the pandemic.

 

A recent report produced by the charity said lives would be needlessly lost due to disruption to services over the past two years.

 

The government data looked at the three years leading up to the pandemic, finding that 13 out of 135 local areas in England had significantly higher rates of foot amputations.  Harrow was estimated to have the lowest rate at 3.5 per 10,000, while Blackpool had the highest at 16.8.

 

It is believed that as many as 80 per cent of foot amputations could be avoided with better care.

 

Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said the figures were “incredibly concerning”.

 

“The majority of these major amputations are preventable, but many people living with diabetes are struggling to access the care they need, and in areas of high deprivation, people are experiencing worse outcomes.  These inequalities must be addressed.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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