DIABETICS in Hambleton and Richmondshire have spoken out on the strengths and weaknesses of the services they receive.

With the help and support of local GPs and their staff, Northallerton Community Health Council sent out 1,234 questionnaires to local diabetics.

The 836 questionnaires which were returned gave diabetics' views on the quality of present services and changes that could be made to bring about improvements.

Of those who responded, 94 per cent said they were satisfied with diabetic services but people also offered ideas for improvements.

These ideas included a need for more information on aspects of diabetic care, particularly diet, more chiropody services to be available locally, work to reduce waiting times at diabetic out-patient clinics and more diabetic services to be available locally rather than at hospital.