AQW 5695/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 10/07/2020
Answered On Date: 29/07/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health why people contacting the diabetes helpline, using numbers given to them by Health and Social Care personnel, are receiving a recorded message.

Answer:

The Diabetes Helpline was established to provide advice and information to people living with diabetes in response to COVID-19. The phone-line was set up on 7 April as a 12-week service. Following assessment of demand and patient need, it was agreed to close the helpline on 28 June 2020.

The recorded message on the Helpline telephone number and the automated e-mail response for the Helpline e-mail address now re-direct people to telephone 111 if experiencing emergency COVID-19 symptoms, the Diabetes UK website for information and advice on diabetes and COVID-19, or their GP, community pharmacy or local Health and Social Care Trust diabetes team.