Claire Buckley

WHY IS A DIABETES DATA SYSTEM NEEDED IN IRELAND? The primary purpose of healthcare systems is to prevent and treat disease. The mainstay of this is direct patient clinical care, but the system needs to be supported by reliable and timely data to function in an evidence-based and responsive way1. Many health systems around the globe have a rich tradition of using data to inform and improve care processes2-4.

INTRODUCTION In October 1989 ministry of health representatives and members of patient organizations from all European countries met in St Vincent, Italy to discuss a joint approach to fight diabetes resulting in the St Vincent declaration1. A number of recommendations were made to improve diabetes care including plans for prevention, identification, and treatment of diabetes and its complications.

I was so inspired by the British Lionesses’ recent victory at the Women’s European Football 2022 Championship. In the lead-up, I even wrote them a letter, (from myself and my daughter), which I posted on LinkedIn, each team member’s individual Instagram accounts and Serena Wiegman’s, (the Lionesses’ female football coach). Why did I go to these lengths? And what does it have to do with flexible working, and equality in the workplace? Well, (in my humble opinion), it has everything to do with it.