A team committed to using technology to improve the lives of people with diabetes is in the running for a prestigious national award.

Diabetes rates across Swansea Bay and Wales are a cause for concern and are noticeably higher in Neath and Port Talbot.

The health board has a specialist team providing secondary care support for people living with type one, type two and gestational diabetes, the latter developed during pregnancy.

Now the team, based at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, has been shortlisted in the Diabetes Nurse of the Year category at this year’s British Journal of Nursing Awards.

This is for its work in addressing health inequalities by improving access to diabetes technology for residents of Neath and Port Talbot.

(Main image above shows, left to right, diabetes specialist nurses Rachel Harris and Caroline Davies-McHugh, lead diabetes specialist nurse Lyndsey Evans, dietician Lucie Bentley, lead nurse for Neath Port Talbot Lucy Walters, and administration support officer Jessica Lewis)

Research has found that people in deprived communities are more likely to live with diabetes but are less likely to access insulin pump therapy and other technology.

Barriers including lower digital literacy, digital exclusion, transportation challenges, and social and economic pressures have historically contributed to poorer health outcomes and reduced engagement with specialist diabetes services.

Lucy Walters, lead nurse at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital diabetes unit, said: “We tailored insulin pump education and ongoing support to accommodate varying levels of technological familiarity.

“This approach allowed us to build confidence gradually and safely. As a result, we have initiated a similar number of insulin pump starts in the past 12 months as more affluent regions of Wales.

“Our strategy has enhanced equitable access to insulin pump therapy, increased patient engagement, and allowed people from deprived backgrounds to benefit from advanced diabetes technology.

“Higher diabetes prevalence and lower levels of technological literacy should not hinder access to state-of-the-art care.”

The BJN awards celebrate excellence in research and practice while recognising outstanding achievements across nursing. Category winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Friday 20^th March

Lucy said being nominated for the award was a celebration in itself.

“Our insulin pump team, from our incredibly supportive administrative staff to our dedicated consultants, works tirelessly to ensure our patients not only have access to this life-changing technology, but also the knowledge and confidence to manage it independently,” she added.

“In the context of the significant gap between access to insulin pump therapy and deprivation, this recognition feels especially meaningful. It reflects our shared commitment to reducing inequalities and expanding opportunity for the people who need it most.”

Directorate Support Manager Mathew Davies said: “The team work tirelessly to provide the highest standard of care to their patients.

“Their dedication, professionalism, and compassionate approach is exemplary. Our Neath Port Talbot team consistently embody our health board’s values and demonstrate a forward-thinking attitude towards change and the evolving needs of our services. We’re so proud of them.”