THE way Bolton's diabetic service cares for patients has been described as "brilliant" by national health bosses.

Improvements made to services have been monitored by the Department of Health since the diabetes national service framework was launched four years ago - and Bolton has been identified as one of the best.

Dr Sue Roberts, national clinical director for diabetes, said: "The work being done by Bolton Primary Care Trust shows there is a great deal of good work going on for people with diabetes."

The Bolton's Diabetes Centre, on Chorley Road, opened in 1995, with hospital consultants moving into the community.

A diabetes network was established in Bolton in 2000 and specialist sessions are now held at GP practices to ensure people receive the best care closer to home.

Specialist nurses have also been appointed who visit GP practices to offer advice and training. There is also specialist antenatal care for women with diabetes. Hospital referrals or patients being sent to the diabetes centre in Bolton are now rare, leaving the specialist team more time to deal with more complex cases.

Dr John Dean, consultant diabotologist for Bolton's Primary Care Trust, said: "It's great for both staff and patients to know we are doing things in the right way, but it won't make us complacent as there will be continued development and we recognise that more work needs to be done."