WINNER

DigiBete App

By DigiBete and Leeds Children’s Hospital Diabetes Team

DigiBete is a multi-award-winning digital web platform and app for the T1 diabetes community, co-designed by patients, parents and the Leeds Children’s Hospital Paediatric Diabetes Team. The DigiBete.org web platform, and the subsequent nationwide app launch in 2020, provide free access to clinically-approved education and training resources to support young patients with T1 diabetes, their families and communities. It has enabled rapid, direct digital communication between registered patients and individual teams during the pandemic. The app launched regionally in October 2019, and nationally in June 2020, in response to COVID-19, with funding from NHS England.

Judges’ comments:

“The entry from DigiBete and Leeds Children’s Hospital Diabetes Team was strong and a welcome development. The fact that it was free in Wales to young people and adults made it stand out and patients clearly benefit from it and like using it. It gives wider access to an app than other online systems and is very responsive and cost effective. The fact that they have worked on inclusion and sustainability is clearly demonstrated. The simple language and bite size information make it accessible and easy to use. “

COMMENDED

Transforming the CHFT Children’s Diabetes Team

By Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

In order to continue supporting and educating its children and young people during the pandemic, the CHFT paediatric diabetes team analysed every process for patients and considered how to deliver it virtually. Every method of communication was used, including social media and DigiBete, to provide patients with up-to-date advice, support and guidance. Virtual clinics were set up using Microsoft Teams to ensure patients could be seen safely. Despite 50% of the nursing workforce being redeployed internally, the transition to virtual diabetes management was successful.

Judges’ comments:

“This entry from Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust had excellent examples of how paediatric teams responded to the pandemic. It was impressive that the team had personally got in touch with every single contact and maintained equality and diversity for those who didn’t have the use of technology, working with them on access. It was impressive and innovative how they used school technology services, identifying families who needed digital support. “