Recurring concern

Unreliable diabetes care and management

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First reported 7 Jan 2014•Latest report 12 Jun 2025

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes failures of controls specifically dedicated to diabetes care and management, including access to specialist diabetic support, monitoring of glucose or ketones, recognition and escalation of deterioration, diabetic status communication, insulin access and other clinically necessary diabetes-management arrangements.

Not included

  • Excludes generic staffing or out-of-hours service deficiencies unless they directly impair diabetes care and management.
  • Excludes failures concerning other clinical conditions or specialist services without a direct diabetes-care connection.
  • Excludes generic communication, training, documentation or escalation deficiencies unless they are specifically dedicated to diabetes care.
  • Excludes medication, wound-care or monitoring concerns where diabetes is merely incidental and the asserted unsafe condition belongs to a different named process.
Reports
14

Distinct published reports

Individual concerns
23

A report can raise multiple concerns

Date range
2014–2025

First to latest report issue date

Stated actions
27

Described in published responses

Reports over time

Reports over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

Department of Health and Social Care3
Adbolton Hall1
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust1
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust1
Care Quality Commission1
Four Seasons Health Care Group1
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust1
Hinchingbrooke Hospital1
HM Prison and Probation Service1
Ministry of Justice1
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence1
NHS England1
NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board1
NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board1
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust1

Concerns and responses across reports

Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

  1. Manchester South

    AI-generated summary

    Pamela Pattison · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Pamela Pattison was admitted to hospital after falling at home and fracturing her hip. Her insulin was intentionally omitted following a mistaken assessment, and concerns were raised about sub-optimal diabetic care, inadequate staff training and escalation, insufficient specialist diabetes support, equipment and resourcing problems, and delay in transferring her to an appropriate ward. The medical cause of death was recorded as aspiration pneumonia following nausea and vomiting consequent upon unstable diabetic control, with brittle diabetes and a fractured neck of femur also recorded.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure of nurses to recognise and escalate deteriorating diabetic care

    Wider context from the report

    “1. From the evidence it was apparent that nurse training on wards M4 and A11 was deficient and their understanding of the importance and danger of Type 1 Diabetes seemed to be limited at best. The nurses were unable to say why they had not escalated her care on a number of occasions. ”

    Source location

    Pamela Pattison · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to provide specialist diabetes outreach cover during absence

    Wider context from the report

    “5. The specialist outreach Nurse Practitioner for diabetes was booked off sick for one month, and no 'cover' was in place to cover his absence. ”

    Source location

    Pamela Pattison · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Under-resourcing of diabetes care

    Wider context from the report

    “8. It was conceded by the ‘Head of Risk’ for the Trust, that there was a general under resourcing within the Trust for the care of patients with Diabetes. ”

    Source location

    Pamela Pattison · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Unavailability of specialist diabetes outreach nurse advice

    Wider context from the report

    “3. It was evident that the nursing staff on, for example, the surgical wards, did not have any specialist outreach nurse advice on such things as diabetes. ”

    Source location

    Pamela Pattison · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Deficient nurse training on Type 1 Diabetes

    Wider context from the report

    “1. From the evidence it was apparent that nurse training on wards M4 and A11 was deficient and their understanding of the importance and danger of Type 1 Diabetes seemed to be limited at best. The nurses were unable to say why they had not escalated her care on a number of occasions. ”

    Source location

    Pamela Pattison · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Unavailability of additional diabetes consultant cover

    Wider context from the report

    “4. There was an obvious need for additional consultant cover for Diabetes. I was told that funding has been put in place to cover this, but as yet no one has been appointed to fulfil this vital role. ”

    Source location

    Pamela Pattison · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Commission and complete a diabetes-care Task and Finish Group review, producing an approved action plan.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “One of our most important actions was the internal commissioning of a “Task and Finish Group” whose remit was “to review the current situation regarding diabetes care to ensure safe and ████████ for all patients with diabetes in hospital”. This was chaired by ████████ Head of Risk and Customer Services, and included senior medical staff, experienced diabetes specialists (both nursing and medical) and senior nurses from across the Trust. I understand the action plan from this group was also shared with you during the inquest.”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 1 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Amend the Trust Training Needs Analysis to require diabetes training for nurses and doctors.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “a. The Trust Training Needs Analysis (TNA) has been amended to include diabetes training as an essential requirement for all nurses and doctors (see below).”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 1 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Design bespoke diabetes training for senior nurses covering night and out-of-hours care, and begin its delivery.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Diabetes management advice: Bespoke training session; Hospital and night nurses and those undertaking professional cover; N/A; N/A; N/A”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Improve the Diabetes Microsite and increase availability of Diabetes Specialist Nurses to support diabetes management.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Ensuring that all doctors are aware of the appropriate management of diabetes has been addressed both by training (see above) and by an improved ‘Diabetes Microsite’ and improved availability of Diabetes Specialist Nurses.”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Implement an electronic inpatient referral form for requesting diabetes review and support across wards.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Trust has also implemented an electronic inpatient referral form for patients needing review, which provides a more robust method for all ward areas to request help or support in managing patients with diabetes.”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Put a sickness-cover and backfill plan in place for the specialist outreach nurse post.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “This planned sickness had been identified and the manager recognised the need for additional cover and backfill for this post. A plan had been put in place to commence on the 27th January 2014, which is sadly the day Mrs Pattison died.”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 3 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Appoint an additional Diabetes Specialist Nurse and a Diabetes Practice Educator to support the whole Trust.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Since this incident there has been a merger of community and hospital teams and the appointment of a further Diabetes Specialist Nurse and a Diabetes Practice Educator, who support the whole Trust.”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide additional consultant diabetes cover through an agency locum and a Consultant of the Week model.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “An agreement was reached to expand the consultant cover within Diabetes & Endocrinology in July 2014. This subsequently went out to advert but unfortunately we have failed to recruit on”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Purchase and incorporate an NHS England-recommended diabetes e-learning module into the Training Needs Analysis.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “b. An E-Learning module has been purchased by the Trust (one recommended by NHS England) completion of which is included in the TNA.”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Deliver bespoke diabetes-care training to nursing staff on wards M4 and A11.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “c. Bespoke training has been delivered to nursing staff on both M4 and A11 in the care of diabetic patients.”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Add diabetes and insulin management to mandatory three-yearly Essentials training for all staff.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “d. ‘Essentials’ training (that which is mandatory for all staff every three years) now includes a session on diabetes and insulin management.”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Identify ward link nurses and provide specialist training so they can deliver local diabetes training.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Nurses/Midwives/Allied Health Professionals, Assistant Practitioners, Clinical Community Professionals (See key below): Covered on Essentials for all. Registered Nurses and Midwives and all APs also to complete module ‘Safe use of insulin’ 3 yearly. Tool box training by link nurses – annually”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    A sickness-cover plan for the specialist outreach nurse had already been put in place before the patient's death.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “This planned sickness had been identified and the manager recognised the need for additional cover and backfill for this post. A plan had been put in place to commence on the 27th January 2014, which is sadly the day Mrs Pattison died.”

    Source location

    2015-0108-Stockport-NHS-Trust
    Page 3 · response
    Published 23 March 2015

    Open published response
  2. Sunderland

    AI-generated summary

    Leonard Henry Hudson · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Leonard Henry Hudson fell at home, was admitted for surgery to repair a fractured right femur, later underwent a below-knee amputation, and died from bronchopneumonia on 19 March 2014. Concerns included failures in pressure-ulcer reporting and management, delayed referral to the foot protection team, incomplete nursing documentation, variable classification of heel injuries, and other deficiencies or confusion in records, mobilisation, fluid restrictions, physiotherapy, hygiene arrangements and diabetes information.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inaccurate recording or communication of diabetes type

    Wider context from the report

    “During the course of Mr Hudson’s in-patient admission from the 13th May 2013 to the 13th of August 2013, staff did not follow the requirements of the Trust’ Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers Policy in that incident reports were not submitted. Due to the co-morbidities of Mr Hudson, he ought to have been identified as having a higher risk factor. Mr Hudson ought to have been referred to the foot protection team in a more timely manner. The nursing documentation was not as comprehensive as it ought to have been. The classification of Mr Hudson’s heel injuries was “variable”. From the evidence given by ████████, the Tissue Viability Specialist Practitioner, that these matters have been or will be addressed and I was encouraged to learn about that, and the Awareness and Training Programme together with the work of the Foot Protection Team. During the course of the evidence some other matters of concern were raised, particularly those relating to the mobilisation of Mr Hudson. I would like to draw them to your attention, as follows: - 1) there were episodes of inadequate record keeping; for example, although the family had met with medical staff to discuss concerns, there appeared to be no available record or the action taken thereafter; also Mr Hudson was to have the benefit of an Exogen machine for 20 minutes each day to stimulate the healing of the bone, but there appeared to be no records about this; 2) there was confusion about Mr Hudson being moved from the bed to his chair by hoist; 3) there was some degree of confusion about any fluid restrictions for Mr Hudson: the family were under the impression that there would be fluid restriction, but in evidence this appeared to be related to six occasions following Mr Hudson’s dialysis; 4) although physiotherapists attended the ward on two occasions per day, Mr Hudson was absent from the ward for three days having dialysis and there was no contingency provision for physiotherapy; 5) there appeared to be some conflict with regard to the arrangements made for Mr Hudson to go to the toilet and whether his hygiene needs were met; 6) it was accepted that Mr Hudson had Type 2 Diabetes but there was an impression that this was Type 1. All of these matters dented the trust and confidence that the family had in the provision of healthcare and although they submitted to me that Mr Hudson had died of Natural Causes contributed to by neglect, I did not make that finding. However, some aspects of Mr Hudson’s care could impact on the care of others and you will appreciate my duty to draw these matters to your attention. I know that some of them have already been addressed, particularly in respect of the matters received in evidence by ████████ but I shall be glad of your response to this Report To Prevent Future Deaths. ”

    Source location

    Leonard Henry Hudson · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report
  3. South and West Cambridgeshire

    AI-generated summary

    Anne Elizabeth Sandever · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Anne Elizabeth Sandever, a diabetic woman with acute on chronic renal failure, was admitted to hospital on 3 February 2014, deteriorated after transfer to Walnut ward, and died on 6 February 2014. The concerns included gaps in nursing and medical observation, poor communication and handover about her diabetes, lack of intravenous fluids despite renal failure, and insufficient investigation of the incident.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to identify and manage patients' diabetic control

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) Communication and handover was poor, no one on the ward knew Mrs Sandever was diabetic or took appropriate care of her diabetic control. ”

    Source location

    Anne Elizabeth Sandever · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report
  4. North London

    AI-generated summary

    Grace Mary Bates · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Grace Mary Bates died in hospital on 21 April 2013 from complications associated with poorly managed diabetic episodes. The report raised concern that no specialist diabetic nurse was available at the hospital over the weekend, during which her blood sugar management was poor.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Unavailability of a specialist diabetic nurse at the hospital over weekends

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) That should be a specialist diabetic nurse available over the weekend at the hospital. ”

    Source location

    Grace Mary Bates · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Appoint at least one whole-time-equivalent inpatient diabetes specialist nurse to provide hospital-wide cover across the calendar week.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Our Head of Diabetes & Endocrinology; Business Manager for Diabetes and our Lead Diabetes Nurse submitted a business case for the approval for the appointment of a minimum of one WTE IPDSN to complement the current diabetes team, to provide improved cover for the Hospital across the calendar week.”

    Source location

    2014-0007-Response
    Page 1 · response
    Published 7 January 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Local healthcare organisations are responsible for assessing needs and commissioning and delivering safe diabetes services, including appropriate nursing staff.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Local organisations are best placed to assess the needs of their populations, and to commission and deliver high-quality, safe and comprehensive diabetes services; including appropriate nursing staff and I expect local healthcare organisations to do their utmost to deliver care against NICE standards as part of a general duty to ensure continuous improvement in quality.”

    Source location

    2014-0007-Response-2
    Page 2 · response
    Published 7 January 2014

    Open published response
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Data last updated 7 September 2026