Burstow takes issue of diabetes to Downing Street

11.20.00am GMT Sun 23rd Nov 2008

MP for Sutton and Cheam, Paul Burstow accompanied Kitty Dadds, a 10 year old constituent, to Downing Street last week to deliver a letter calling on Gordon Brown to improve care for children with diabetes.

Almost 4,000 people in Mr Burstow's constituency have diabetes including Kitty Dadds who came to Westminster as part of a nationwide lobby by diabetic children who want access to regular check-ups and support at school to help them manage their condition.

Mr Burstow asked parliamentary questions this week about what the government are doing to ensure that all children diagnosed with diabetes are receiving proper support. He also called on the Prime Minister to undertake a review of current treatment before bringing in new practice and policy to deliver quality care for all diabetic children.

'I am glad we've had the opportunity to draw attention to this very important health issue which is affecting a growing number of adults and children alike. It is vital that children like Kitty and her whole family have access to the help and support they need and I hope that we will soon be receiving a reply from Gordon Brown telling us what he proposes to do to improve care for those with diabetes.

'Kitty and her mum told me what a difference a good school can make to coming to terms with the condition. Kitty goes to Cheam Park Farm Junior school and they are a beacon of good practice and common sense when it comes to helping young people living with long term medical conditions.'