Winner
Looped In: Innovating the Future of Type 1 Diabetes Care
by Manchester Royal Infirmary
Executive Summary
The “Looped In” initiative pioneered a systematic approach to integrating hybrid closed-loop into routine NHS care for people with type 1 diabetes. Recognising the challenges of achieving optimal glycaemic control, the team acted swiftly to accelerate access following NICE TA943 guidance. Serving a diverse, socioeconomically deprived population, the programme embedded equity by tailoring education and reducing digital exclusion to ensure representation across our population. Strategic innovations included multidisciplinary team meetings and group onboarding which enabled scalable, patient-centred delivery. Published real-world data show improved glycaemic outcomes and patient experience, establishing the service as a model for equitable diabetes technology adoption nationally.
Judges’ comments:
This project from Manchester Royal Infirmary is an excellent project, showing uniqueness as the first team to initiate HCL in adults commercially as part of NHS care. An NHS saving is implied by the improvement in HbA1c, it had clear objectives, was data driven and peer reviewed. Their numbers were really impressive, and the resource is available to others. Overall it is really well written, comprehensive and dynamic.
Highly Commended
5.Project EQuIP: Enhancing Quality & Inclusion in Pumps. For Children and Young People in Peterborough & Huntingdon
by North West Anglia Foundation NHS Trust
Executive Summary
The use of hybrid closed loop (HCL) and other diabetes technologies is linked to better management, outcomes, and quality of life. However, in Peterborough and North Cambridgeshire, access remains unequal—particularly among children and young adults from deprived and ethnic minority backgrounds. To address this, we created two dedicated roles, within the Paediatric DSN team, focused on engaging these groups. Embedded within the diabetes care pathway, these roles have already improved uptake and ensure that access to advanced diabetes care is delivered equitably, meeting the diverse needs of our local population.
Judges’ comments:
Project EQuIP had good focus on culture and language and judges thought it was a fantastic project. The youth workers were very well used, it showed a marked improvement in numbers and it was impressive that they were able to get extra team members.
Finalist
University Hospitals Dorset Young Peoples’ Diabetes Service – 10 years of continuous improvement
by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Executive Summary
It is important that young people with diabetes make a safe transition from paediatric services to adult services. A specific dedicated team for the care of young people with diabetes (aged 15-23 years) was established originally in Poole in 2014 using best practice tariff funding, to ensure good transition care. More recently the team has expanded to include care in Bournemouth. With 10 years of data, the team has demonstrated that care at this important time for young people with diabetes can be continuously improved through looking at data and co-design of services with patients.
Judges’ comments:
The judges admired the submission from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust with 10 years’ worth of data. It was a practical project with longevity, very well thought-through and offering flexibility to young people.
