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NHS Barking and Dagenham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) saw off competition from across the UK to win the Diabetes Initiative of the Year accolade at the annual HSJ Value Awards.

The award is a recognition of the groundbreaking work undertaken to improve diabetes care in Barking and Dagenham by tackling inequalities which can limit access to treatment.

Led by the CCG and involving all 37 GP practices in the borough, it has led to a major improvement in type 2 diabetes diagnosis rates and better advice and support for those living with the condition.

As a result, the estimated number of undiagnosed diabetes cases in the borough fell from 1,642 in 2012-13 to 624 in 2017-18 – a decrease of more than 60 per cent – and work is now continuing to ensure that it leads to ongoing improvements in patient care. This all represents a value to the local health economy of £3.8million over five years – against an investment of £1.2million.

This year, the HSJ Value Awards attracted more than 530 entries and the presentation ceremony in Manchester was the culmination of a process which seeks to recognise and celebrate outstanding improvement in care quality and efficiency by NHS staff and organisations.

The judges were very impressed with the high standards of entries, underlining the CCG’s achievement in being declared a winner. They praised the CCG for “sharing good diabetes practice” and “achieving significant improvements in an area of deprivation and inequality”.

Dr Jagan John, a local GP and Chair of Barking and Dagenham CCG, said:

“We’re very proud to receive the award – it’s recognition of the great work carried out by the CCG alongside our GPs, practice staff and local partners. It’s very much a team effort.

“Although we’ve already made big strides in improving diabetes care in Barking and Dagenham, we still have work to do and we’re determined to make further progress. We’ve also shared our work with colleagues in Havering and Redbridge to ensure it benefits patients across the three boroughs.”