Queensland Government invests $17.5 million in extra diabetic foot disease services
Queenslanders with diabetes who have high risk foot concerns will receive treatment earlier, thanks to a $17.5 million state-wide funding boost.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the funding would increase service availability across Queensland, over the next four years, to reduce hospitalisations and amputations.
“High Risk Foot Clinics work with patients to manage foot complications, such as Diabetic Foot Disease, which is caused by a lack of feeling and lack of circulation or blood supply to the feet,” Minister Miles said.
“The disease can affect people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and is one of the top 20 leading causes of hospitalisation in Australia. In severe cases, it can lead to amputation or even death.
“Prevention is always the key – 85 per cent of these amputations are preventable if the disease is detected early and managed appropriately.
“This funding boost will ensure patients can do just that, by giving them better access to a multi-disciplinary team of podiatrists, physicians, surgeons, nurses and other allied health professionals,” Minister Miles said.
This funding investment is fantastic for Queensland and here at DFA, we look forward to seeing similar investments in diabetic foot disease across the nation to bring us closer to ending avoidable amputations in a generation.