April 2016...and finally? Time to end the role in shaping of policy in Diabetes care of the NHS - 8 years later. The mission given at that time by Stevens & Keogh was very simple: 'Improve Type 1 Diabetes care'. 8 years later? I think we have done ok. Beyond all the outcomes and the success in technology access- one big thing for me was being able to give those living with T1D a voice- and hopefully we have made some progress on that front. Success or legacy- is decided by those who we serve- and history- yet? I feel I have given it all- and happy with where I have drawn a line.  Howe ..read more

  You know what- its not an over exaggeration to say that I have had a fascinating career – mostly due to the areas which I have covered or the roles I have done. Organisational politics and being part of it or negotiating that has been a part which I admittedly have enjoyed- partly from the experience of being an observer and partly due to the active roles I engage in too. Party to many an event which is probably a fair times over the career of many an NHS senior- and certainly one littered with incidents to regale a few dinner parties not to mention a few chapters of a book. Yet even by ..read more

It was around the start of last year- or thereabouts- when I was asked by someone close to me whether I had considered joining the Council of Royal College of Physicians. It did actually make me startle a bit- the Royal College? Like THE RCP of London? I mean, I had my MRCP- and then paid for the tag of an FRCP- there was more beyond that? 'Why' was my query back- as putting something on my CV for the sake of it has never really floated my boat- and to be honest? Diabetes had given me enough on that front- so why bother? 45 minutes later, I was reasonably convinced to have a crack at it- as th ..read more

Finally? It's here. Ever since Jonathan Valabhji left, it's been a bit lonely to be honest. We were always the 'Dynamic Duo'- the Ying and the Yang in the diabetes policy world- the absolute chalk and cheese- yet a partnership of magical times. He had started around 2013- and then I joined 2016. And early last year, we had made plans to leave together. Yet circumstances, pace of advertisements being approved, new post being confirmed - had pushed back my departure since he left. But finally? It's here. To those interested- it's the National Specialty Advisor Role for Diabetes with NHS England ..read more

  It’s been a surreal month if I am honest. Time has stood still- yet simultaneously ran at breakneck speed- while my mind has tried to keep pace with it all. Dealing with the loss of Ma whilst keeping an eye on a grieving Baba- interspersed with roles of a being a dad myself while daughter explores a new life in the Big Apple perhaps would have been enough on its own- throw in the work side of things and it’s been..well..something. January has been an explosion as regards the roles I have held on a national basis. Post the launch of the NICE TA 943 which has caused understandable excitem ..read more

2023 is now done. A year which will be etched in my memories forever. A year like no other. A landmark year where I hit my 50th; a year which saw the absolute high of unquestionably the greatest achievement of my career - and a personal low where my Ma left me with memories of a lifetime. The grief is still raw- it comes in waves, triggered by simple things and instances, it comes without warning, it comes as a reminder to all to spend more time with their loved ones. Regrets there are none- and I have been told time heals all. Yet as the saying goes? 'What is grief but love persevering'- an ..read more

So- we approach the end of the year- and an annual custom- to make up a top 10 in diabetes care.  Some maintain their position from last year- some are new entrants. To emphasize- as ever- it’s one from my own personal point of view- mostly in the space I work. That is not to denigrate anyone else or not value their work- but simply put? A blog to show case 10 folks or groups who –in my opinion- deserve a word of mention and a thank you for their work which has helped many through the year.  Have a read at your leisure as you recover from Christmas! So- here we go...in no part ..read more

Dr. Manju Bhattacharya-Kar 13.6.1941 - 18.12.2023 I am going to ask you at this very point to have a pause and a think whether you want to read any further. This has always been my blogpage- a place to put my own personal thoughts- and this blog? Is personal- nothing to do with diabetes or any issues around politics- though perhaps linked in a tenous way. It’s about my Ma. You know- a lot of you would have never met her- yet perhaps you have –through me. I have always been my Ma’s son- and a lot of her characteristics have flown through me. Baba has always been my hero- yet Ma was the inspir ..read more

The times are indeed interesting. Leaving aside all the geopolitics of hate, despair and intolerance, I refer to the present situation around MAPs aka Medical Associate Professionals. My views of what should happen going forwards isn't the purpose of this blog- for those vaguely interested? Its on the BMJ website. Neither do I have any views on MAPs themselves- I suspect a huge majority of them- apart from the selected few who enjoy goading on doctors and inflame things further- would want all of what plenty are talking about. Scope, regulation, supervision etc etc- the irony being? None of th ..read more

It all feels a bit surreal to be honest. Yes, of course I mean the NICE announcement regards Hybrid closed Loops- a moment in time which has seen the vast majority of those living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) erupt with joy, happiness and pleasant disbelief. And it feels like one of those moments in time- and a what an absolute privilege it has been to be part of this journey- one that started in 2017...where the seeds were sown with the discussions around getting Freestyle Libre on tariff. Further expansions via NHS Long Term Plan followed- as did Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) in T1D pregna ..read more