A CHARITY is on the hunt for Southampton medical professionals to help lead improvements in diabetes care.

Diabetes UK is searching for consultants, nurses, GPs, dietitians and podiatrists, as well as psychologists to take part in its Clinical Champions programme.

The award-winning initiative launched in 2014 to address the significant variation in patient care and treatment for people living with diabetes in the UK.

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood as the body cannot use it properly, and both type 1 and 2 can lead to complications.

The programme sees clinicians recruited to help develop their leadership skills and become a figurehead for improving diabetes care. Between the 65 recruited since the programme began, they have trained thousands of other healthcare professionals, developed innovative new clinics, reduced medication errors and increased the number of people getting treatment for diabetes.

The new champions will be selected based on their leadership potential, clinical expertise and a demonstrable passion for transforming care for people with diabetes.

They will be supported with two years of training alongside their clinical work, to help them become strong leader, identify improvements and drive change in diabetes services in their local areas.

Jill Steaton, regional head at Diabetes UK south east, said: "Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time, affecting 4.5 million people.

"That's more than any other serious health condition in the UK. When diabetes is not well managed, it is associated with serious complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputations leading to disability and premature mortality.

"Clinical champions help transform diabetes care, which in turn reduces the risk of devastating complications, and makes a significant difference to the lives of people with diabetes."

Anyone interested in applying can contact 020 7424 1896.