Liva Healthcare signs contracts to improve diabetes prevention

Liva Healthcare has signed a deal with Living Well Taking Control (LWTC) to offer a diabetes prevention programme through three NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).

Liva will offer a digital service alongside LWTC’s face-to-face intervention programme in delivering Type 2 diabetes and obesity prevention.

Patients will be able to access the digital programme through Liva and will receive a dedicated, personal coach for nine months.

The prevention programme, Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP), was first launched in 2016.

The combined Liva and LWTC service will be provided free of charge to patients at risk of Type 2 diabetes through a referral from their GP. Around 5,000 patients are expected to be treated across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Dorset CCGs through this partnership over the course of a year.

‘We are seeing remarkable results from people going through Liva’s programme,’ said Rune Bech, co-founder and UK head of Liva Healthcare. ‘Patients with chronic conditions like obesity, pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes have been able to halt or even reverse their conditions simply by providing personal health coaching.

‘This unique relationship-based approach makes hard-won lifestyle changes long lasting and sustainable,’ he added. ‘By providing a digital solution, the Liva programme is scalable and cost-effective and supports health professionals to drive real change in their communities. This new partnership with the NHS and LWTC will help us help even more people live longer and better, which is why we go to work every morning.’

Russell Muirhead, clinical director for LWTC, said: ‘We’re pleased to be named as an NHS diabetes prevention programme provider across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. We’re now busy working in partnership with the local health economy to meet the needs of the local communities from day one.

‘This is vital given that over 11,000 people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Our focus remains on recruiting passionate local coaches who care about their communities and making a real difference to people’s lives.’

LWTC is a limited liability partnership between Birmingham-based social enterprise Health Exchange CIC and Exeter-based charity Westbank Community Health and Social Care.