Happy birthday, BERTIE! - Milestone anniversary for diabetes care 

A programme to support patients with type 1 diabetes has celebrated its 25th anniversary. 

Staff and patients involved with the Bournemouth Type 1 Diabetes Education Programme (BERTIE), gathered at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, part of University Hospitals Dorset (UHD), to commemorate the service’s special milestone.

BERTIE is a four week course for people with type 1 diabetes, involving weekly group education sessions delivered across Poole and the Royal Bournemouth hospitals.

The award-winning programme supports patients to put their newly-learned skills into practice, aiming to help individuals achieve their own goals; whether that’s learning how to adjust insulin according to their lifestyle, or providing information on how diabetes can affect health.

Jane Derbyshire is a previous patient and participant of the BERTIE programme. She said:

“It’s a pleasure and proiviliege to help celebrate BERTIE’S 25th anniversary, and I have no doubt that anyone taking part in the course will take a number of things away that will help them manage their diabetes on a practical level. I also strongly feel that there are significant emotional benefits of attending the course and talking openly with people who are living with type 1 diabetes.

When I was diagnosed 10 years ago it was such a shock. I struggled with the emotional side but the team has been excellent; so knowledgeable and in tune with the challenges and needs of people living with this condition.” 

Emma Jenkins, senior diabetes dietitian at UHD, said:

“The eveny was a great opportunity for staff and patients to get together and reflect on their experiences. Consultants joined us to explain the history and development of BERTIE  over the years, and what the future for diabetes care has to offer.

“BERTIE has brought us all together in such a positive way, and we remain passionate about providing quality diabetes care at UHD.”