DSN SPOTLIGHT – Ruth Burns

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: Ruth Burns

Job title: DISN

Trust: NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Time in position: Five-and-a-half years

What’s your biggest challenge in diabetes today?

The biggest challenge is trying to improve the management of hypoglycaemia within the inpatient setting.

What’s been your biggest achievement in diabetes care?

My biggest achievement is implementing safety insulin pen needles to all the wards in NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

What would you like to see change in diabetes?

I would like to see all patient in the inpatient setting have a medical review daily of their blood glucose levels.

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

The biggest development is connected glucometers in the inpatient setting.

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

The best way to achieve best outcomes is to be consistent and review regular to teach back diabetes education.