The group of pharmacists and nurses spanning from Griffith to Hay to Hillston and everywhere in between will have their courses fully funded thanks to the Griffith Support Group of Diabetes NSW and all those in the Murrumbidgee area who donated to them. 

President of the Griffith Support Group Tom Marriott couldn’t contain his excitement as he realised what this would mean for diabetic care in the region.

“As a type one diabetic of 28 years and my involvement in the support group I hear how important a link nurses and pharmacists are between doctors and diabetics,” he said.

“We live in an ever-changing world.

“While they are professionals, they still need to improve their knowledge to make sure they have up to date knowledge, that they can then pass on to the diabetics or help the diabetics with any specific problem they may have.”

In total the Griffith support group has given nearly $40,000 towards putting these health professionals through the course. All the money was donated from individuals and organisations from inside the Murrumbidgee area.

Griffith East Pharmacy’s Val O’Meara was one of the hundred enrolled in the course.

When she was approached about the opportunity she knew immediately what kind of impact this could have.

“I thought it was a wonderful opportunity for the health professionals in the area to expand their knowledge of diabetes and their management of diabetes,” she said.

“Diabetes is a very prevalent illness in the Riverina and the course was offered as a free course so it's a marvellous opportunity for people to come on board.

“Diabetes is a dynamic field of treatment.

“Things are changing all the time, the management of diabetes is changing and it's getting better.

“People can be more in control of their own condition and this will help people control their diabetes.”