DSN SPOTLIGHT – Claire Neely

The role of the diabetes specialist nurse is hugely important in ensuring high-quality diabetes care. Our DSN Spotlight series celebrates this great position and also aims to find out more about those who are making a difference to people with diabetes every day.

Name: Claire Neely

Job title: Diabetes specialist nurse/manager

Trust: Kingston hospital foundation NHS Trust  

Time in position:

Three years in current role and 16 years in diabetes overall

What’s your biggest challenge in diabetes today?

The volume of patients being diagnosed and being able to give them the time and support they require.

What’s been your biggest achievement in diabetes care?

My biggest achievement has been becoming one of the first Diabetes UK Clinical Champions which gave me the confidence to find my voice and put Diabetes care in Kingston on the radar. The role helped bring all providers of diabetes care together to provide continuity of care and deliver best practice.

What would you like to see change in diabetes?

I want to see more acknowledgement to the importance of having a dedicated psychologist as part of the MDT approach to diabetes care.

What’s been the biggest development in the last 10 years?

Structured patient education and the ambundance of medications and insulins now available.

What is the best way to achieve good health outcomes with your patients?

I believe the best way giving patients time and building trust. Providing education to all health care professionals involved with patients who have diabetes.