A NURSE from Blackwood has been selected as a diabetes ‘champion’ to help transform care for people living with the condition in Wales.

Sian Bodman, a senior diabetes nurse with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board was chosen due to her passion for, and commitment to, excellence in diabetes care.

She will join a two-year leadership development programme, supported by the charity Diabetes UK Cymru.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to help develop a high quality provision for people with diabetes within Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and throughout Wales,” said Ms Bodman.

“The amount of variation in the information available to newly diagnosed people is a concern. Above all, I want to improve the experience of people at risk of or diagnosed with diabetes by helping them to access information and education, and make a positive impact.”

She is among 20 UK healthcare professionals, including consultants, nurses, GPs and dietitians to be appointed as one of the charity’s clinical champions this year.

Diabetes UK Cymru’s national director Dai Williams said: “Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest-growing health crisis of our time, affecting more people than any other serious health condition in the UK. “Investing in diabetes care in this way will reduce the devastating complications that can result from poor management of the condition, bringing health and economic benefits.

“Champions like Sian play a critical role in improving the services people with diabetes receive, and contribute massively to our vision of creating a world where diabetes can do no harm.”

The Clinical Champions programme was launched by Diabetes UK in 2014, in partnership with Novo Nordisk. There are now 65 champions across the UK who have access to a network of clinicians who they can share expertise and experience.

If you are interested in becoming a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion, contact clinicalchampions@diabetes.org.uk