Tom Gordon calls on Government to do more to support those with Type 1 Diabetes

During a debate in the House of Commons yesterday, Tom Gordon asked a Minister whether she would meet regularly with the APPG for Diabetes, which Tom recently helped re-start. The APPG or All Party Parliamentary Group for Diabetes exists to raise awareness of Diabetes in Parliament. 

The debate was brought to the House of Commons by Josh Newbury, MP for Cannock Chase, another member of the Diabetes APPG. It specifically related to Type 1 Diabetes with Disordered Eating, or T1DE, care. Recently, Tom has successfully campaigned to get what was originally a trial service extended and funded. Before being elected, he worked for the charity JDRF, now known as Breakthrough T1D, a charity that funds research into Type 1 Diabetes, and supports sufferers. 

T1DE services when introduced were a trailblazing initiative to bring together different strands of healthcare, aiming to provide an integrated healthcare service for patients, so that they can get all their care in one place – and hopefully ensure that the care they receive is better. 

Last month, the Government confirmed that it will continue to fund T1DE services around the country, granting a major reprieve to a revolutionary form of treatment, and potentially opening the door to more integrated healthcare for patients. 

In response to Tom’s question yesterday, the Minister said that she was happy to meet with the Diabetes APPG. Tom also made reference to other parts of the report that first suggested T1DE care, which made other recommendations that haven’t yet been implemented. The Minister also confirmed that she would be happy to meet with the APPG to discuss those recommendations.

Commenting, Tom said:

“It’s great to see the Government engaging with us at the Diabetes APPG. We’re focussed on raising awareness of Diabetes and the care available or not yet available, in Parliament. T1DE services trailblazed a new way of caring for people, and ensuring they get the care and support they need. 

“I look forward to meeting with Ministers about Diabetes care, raising its profile and looking to get more of the report’s recommendations implemented to ensure that those suffering with Diabetes get the support and care they need. 

“I’m very proud that we managed to save the remaining T1DE services, and I hope to see them expanded and in some cases re-expanded to other parts of the country where funding had already been lost. Integrated care is absolutely vital for patients.”

ENDS