Professor David Simmons of Western Sydney University School of Medicine (previously specialist in Counties Manukau and current advisor to Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa) has spoken to Stephen Forbes, Local Democracy Reporter for Stuff, about his belief that the system is failing people with diabetes and an "independent watchdog to help stop growth of disease" is needed.
The article reports the Ministry of Health as saying "diabetes is the country’s fastest-growing health condition" and that "south Auckland has the highest number of people diagnosed with the disease".
Chairman of Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa, Dr John Baker expressed his agreement with Professor Simmons. The article reports him as saying "I think it’s a great idea,”. He went on further to say that “There’s no real channel for patients with diabetes to challenge decisions by the likes of Pharmac. Having an ombudsman specifically focused on diabetes would be much more effective.”
