East Sussex diabetic amputation rates 60 per cent higher than average

The Eastbourne, Hailsham and Sleaford area has been identified as having an amputation rate well above the national average.
Diabetes charity, Diabetes UK, alerted the Clinical Commissioning Group in the area of the figures. In Eastbourne and the surrounding area, the rate is 4.2 people per 1,000 people with diabetes having an amputation. The average in England is 2.6 amputations per 1,000 diabetic patients.
A contributing problem in the area is that a low proportion of people with diabetes being admitted to hospital are receiving the foot checks from a specialist that they should receive within 24 hours. In the Eastbourne area only 22% are receiving the foot check. The rate of in hospital foot checks is also a national problem as the national average is just over 50% of people with diabetes receiving their foot examinations within 24 hours of hospital admission.
In response to the findings, the Eastbourne, Hailsham and Sleaford CCG has promised to set up an urgent review to investigate and rectify the issue.
Amputation in people with diabetes is twenty times more common. Two of the main reasons for this are that people with diabetes are more likely to have circulation problems which means wounds take longer to heal and are more prone to being infected.
Neuropathy, nerve damage, is the second problem as it can stop people from feeling when damage has been done and this can frequently mean blisters and wounds are aggravated as people keep walking on them without realising there’s a problem. If the damage is not spotted quickly, the initial problem can develop into a foot ulcer which can be a serious problem.
Those of us with diabetes need to make sure we look for any signs of damage to our feet on a regular basis. Small damage can become a big issue within days so don’t ignore issues such as blisters, cuts or ingrown toenails. Notify your health team who will be able to provide the right care for your feet.