Weston-super-Mare Mayor Councillor Cyril King presented them with certificates during the meal at Aztec West Hotel, Bristol, on Friday. (June 17)
The patients attended 14 weekly training sessions at Weston General Hospital, before undergoing a final assessment with external examiners to test their knowledge.
The Peer Advisors course enables them to manage their own diabetes more effectively and provide training to help others with the condition – as they truly understand what newly-diagnosed diabetics are going through.
In addition, Peer Advisors are able to assist in planning and monitoring diabetes services within the health community.
Dr Arun Baksi, who developed the concept of Peer Advisors at Isle of Wight NHS Trust and chaired the assessment board, said: “Medical evidence shows that diabetes patients can avoid some of the unpleasant complications of their condition through good self-management, supported by good professional care.”
He gave his wholehearted support to Weston Diabetes Consultants Dr Parag Singhal, Dr Kurien John and their team, who planned and led the training of the new Peer Advisors, and thanked Weston Area Health NHS Trust for supporting the Peer Advisors programme.
Dr Singal said: “The innovative Peer Advisors scheme is a vital part of developing this level of good practice in the North Somerset health community and we are very proud to lead it and to be congratulating our latest “graduates.”
He said the course had been truly enjoyable and he had been impressed by the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment of this year’s graduates – all of whom completed the course and passed the assessment.
One graduate, Andrew Lawrence, said: “Huge thanks to the doctors for founding this excellent scheme in Weston-super-Mare and we hope we all prove worthy of your trust and belief in us.”
Town Mayor Councillor Cyril King said to the Peer Advisors: “There are not many people who won’t know someone touched by diabetes and listening to what you have achieved is very inspirational.”
For further information, please contact Caroline Welch on 01934 647091