Harrow has the lowest rate of foot amputations due to diabetes in the country, following a concerted effort to invest in and focus on the condition.
Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of foot ulcers and infections, which can lead to amputations. There are significant difference in rates of amputation per borough nationally. Harrow’s low rate of 3.5 per 10,000 patients contrasts with higher rates in many boroughs, with Blackpool having the highest rate at 16.5%.
Dr Radhika Balu, the GP who leads health services in Harrow, said:
“This is really welcome news. Up to 80% of foot amputations could be avoided with better care. This is an area in which Harrow has put a strong focus over the last few years, and I want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Dr Genevieve Small, who really worked wonders by putting energy, focus and funding into improving diabetes care in Harrow. I also want to pay tribute to my colleagues in primary care, community services and London North West University Healthcare Trust for their efforts over the years. I want to specially thank Dr Ken Walton and Dr Keith Steer for guiding and leading us on this.
“There is much more to be done in Harrow. Our services are still recovering from the pandemic and our GPs and primary care services are working hard to get things back to normal for patients. But this is a timely example of what can be achieved.”
Dr Genevieve Small, who is now interim Chief Medical Officer for North West London, added:
“It’s great to see the major focus we put on good diabetic care over the last five years bearing fruit. I hope that we can maintain and build on this success for our patients.”