Latest figures show the number of people with diabetes undergoing amputations has reached 135 per week
The annual number of diabetes-related amputations in England has reached more than 7,000, according to previously unpublished data from Public Health England.
This is the highest figure to date and equates to 135 amputations a week. According to charity Diabetes UK, up to 80% of these amputations could be prevented if the necessary care was provided to people with diabetes.
The charity is urging the government to do more to ensure that people with diabetes are provided with suitable care and attention. Diabetes UK is encouraging people to tweet Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt using the hashtag #135shoes to draw attention to the rise in amputations and highlight the fact that feet are particularly at risk.
According to Diabetes UK, there are there are 3.9 million people living with diabetes in the UK.
Michael Burrell, a senior clinical negligence solicitor based in Thompsons Solicitors’ Birmingham office, said: “Diabetes is a complex condition which requires regular monitoring and treatment. Poor management of diabetes can have devastating consequences for patients and the level of avoidable amputations is clearly at an unacceptable level.
“Sufficient resources, including funding, equipment and staff levels, are vital to enable NHS staff to carry out their work properly. The government must take urgent action in response to these figures if we are to see a reduction in the number of people needlessly losing limbs to diabetes.”
Click here to read Thompsons Solicitors’ dedicated factsheet on the risks surrounding diabetes and amputation.
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