"Great diabetes care at Newcastle General Hospital"

I am a 61 year old type II diabetic and I choose to have my diabetes (which is very well controlled by self management) monitored at the Newcastle General Hospital (25 miles away from home). I have been diabetic for nearly 20 years and have been using two types of insulin for 8 or more years. The long trip is worth it. The hospital runs a dedicated specialist unit in its own building aided and supported by an excellent team of specialist nurses, diaticians, podiatrists, eye specialist technicians, etc .... and doctors reknowned for the quality of their paitent care and research. The quality of their care is second to none. it is just a very great pity that not all diabetics have access to such excellent service. We had been hoping for a good local service at our local hospital (8miles down the road at Hexham) but I have just heard that as part of the 'cuts' this service, which has been in the planning phase for many months, has been cancelled.