No More Diabetes Discrimination For Ambulance Drivers, UK

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 20 Oct 2007 - 2:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Insulin users wishing to drive a vehicle under emergency conditions have been offered fresh hope.

The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is drafting a policy that will allow staff with insulin-treated diabetes to undergo individual risk assessments. Decisions will be based purely on the medical evidence and the obligations of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

"This is fantastic news," said Simon O'Neill, Director of Care, Information and Advocacy Services at Diabetes UK.

"Many people with diabetes are perfectly able to drive an ambulance under 'blue light' conditions. They should not be denied this aspect of their job. This announcement by the London Ambulance Service serves as a good example for other NHS trusts to follow.

"Hopefully this policy will prompt change in other industries where people with diabetes still face discrimination."

http://www.diabetes.org.uk