Catherine (Kate) Bewsey

The psychological aspects of diabetes

•    I am a Chartered Psychologist and Diabetes Clinical Champion with over 20 years’ experience of working with diabetes. My current post is with the multi-disciplinary footcare team at St Georges Hospital, London and I work with inpatients, outpatients and the team itself. 

•    I led an ICB project; scoping the need for psychological services in community as well as acute footcare clinics. Results of this project evidence the need for greater psychological support and access for patients across the entire diabetes pathway.

•    The psychology role is important because people with foot at risk of amputation and vascular issues often have complex mental and physical healthcare problems. This impacts on self-management. Psychological support can help a team better engage their patients in taking care of their diabetes and feet.

•    In my clinical role I assess and treat patients and offer support, advice, consultation, and training to the multi-disciplinary footcare team. The team includes diabetes and vascular colleagues who are increasingly familiar of the psychological aspects of their patients.

•    My leadership role has included giving national presentations and contributing to guidelines, including NICE and other diabetes initiatives.