Ireland ranked ninth for diabetes care

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Ireland's diabetes care was ranked ninth in Europe in the first Euro Consumer Diabetes Index. Denmark led the Index followed by the UK, France and the Netherlands.

The Diabetes Index compares care systems around Europe from a consumer point of view. In five categories, covering 26 performance indicators, Ireland scored 733 points from a potential 1,000. Ireland's is described as a "very competent health system."
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Patients from several countries (e.g. Ireland and Spain) constantly complain about waiting times (sometimes up to a year) for check-ups, surgeries, or any other kind of appointment, the survey reports.

Surprisingly, a low percentage of smokers are supported by healthcare services to stop smoking. Countries where this number is high include the UK, Ireland, Malta and Norway.

“Diabetes teams are finding it difficult to cope with the numbers of patients they must see and we see a need for more quality staff (both doctors and nurses). Long waiting times are not acceptable. They increase the risk of complications,” said Dr. Beatriz Cebolla Garrofé, Project manager for the Diabetes Index.

“We believe that an open and transparent diabetes registry improves care outcomes,” said the President of the Health Consumer Powerhouse, Mr. Johan Hjertqvist.

Officially, Ireland could not provide data, but 250 Irish patients answered the Patient View survey and 95% confirmed they had received check ups at least once a year.


* The Euro Consumer Diabetes Index provides the first ranking of European diabetes healthcare systems across five key areas: Information; Consumer Rights and choice; Access; Prevention; and Outcomes. The Diabetes Index is sourced from public statistics and independent research. The producer is the analysis and information organization Health Consumer Powerhouse. The Index is produced with the help of an unrestricted grant from Pfizer Inc.