A service offering people treatment for diabetes in north Durham has been launched by Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT).

The aim is to increase the proportion of diabetes care delivered in the community and focus on continuing to improve the quality of the service already provided.

The programme will also help patients who have fewer complications to be discharged from hospital and be cared for in the community.

Having a more local diabetes service will provide continuity of care and be more patient-centred, which will provide benefits and long-term health gains for patients in Derwentside.

Liz Boal, service improvement manager at Derwentside PCT, said: "We are so pleased to have such a good, experienced community diabetes team in Derwentside.

"The service will provide a much-needed increase in services for patients with diabetes."

Dr Tim Butler, a GP with a special interest in the disease, together with Barbara Foster and Debbie Calland, diabetes nurse specialists, aim to work closely with GPs, nurses, other practice staff and the hospital-based diabetes team.

Dr Butler said: "A person with diabetes is responsible for the effective management of their diabetes on a day-to-day basis. This new service will help them to do this.

"The new service is a significant step forward in improving the range of services and support available to people locally."

Community diabetes clinics will be held every Wednesday afternoon, 1.30am and 4.30pm, in the Middle Suite at Stanley Health Centre.

Patients will be referred to the clinic via a GP or practice nurse.