"LOCAL PRIMARY CARE TRUSTS CONTINUE TO PUT DIABETICS' SIGHT AT RISK" - GIDLEY

5.55.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 22nd Apr 2008

Following figures originally acquired in January, new data obtained today by Southampton and Hampshire MP Sandra Gidley show that local PCTs are still failing to screen thousands of local diabetics for diabetic retinopathy*.

All of the 45,733 diabetics in Hampshire PCT, and 8,643 in Southampton PCT should have been invited to attend a free retinal screening eye test by the end of December 2007. Figures up to December 2007 show that Hampshire PCT has offered only 60.1% of diabetics the test, and Southampton PCT 82% - both are missing their targets.

In addition, by the end of March 2008, 80% of people with diabetes should actually have received the test for retinopathy. Only 39% at Hampshire PCT, and 64.1% at Southampton PCT have actually received screening, which suggests that they are on course to miss these targets as well.

Sandra, who is also the Liberal Democrat Shadow Public Health Minister, said today:

"These figures are disgraceful, and have barely changed in the past three months. Both Primary Care Trusts are missing their targets, and are neglecting diabetics across Hampshire.

"I highlighted this appalling situation in January, and urged the PCTs to act to ensure that all diabetics were offered a screening - yet nothing has been done.

"Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition that can be significantly reduced if proper preventive screening methods are carried out. I would urge the local PCTs to stop playing Russian Roulette with people's sight, and start providing diabetics with the treatment they need."

ENDS

• Diabetic retinopathy is causes damage to the retina and can lead to blindness. It affects up to 80% of all diabetics who have had diabetes for 15 years or more.