Ensuring people living with diabetes have every opportunity to live a full and healthy life was one of the lasting legacies of the late John Morris AO.
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Next month the centre in his name will celebrate its 10th anniversary with an event open to all former and existing staff, patients and anyone impacted by the chronic disease.
Held in conjunction with World Diabetes Day, on November 14 the John Morris Diabetes Centre will present the John Morris Award to Tasmanians who have been living with diabetes for 40 years.
Inspired by the Kellion Victory Medal - an initiative of Diabetes Australia - JMDC endocrinologist Dr Anne Corbould said the award would honour Dr Morris' decades of dedication.
"He was a remarkable Tasmanian, a very dedicated physician and a leader in his field," she said.
"We are very proud to be continuing his work in diabetes care in Northern Tasmania and we wanted to recognise his work and the dedication of patients living with diabetes, with our own local award."
In other news:
Diabetes remains the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia. In Tasmania, diabetes remains a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, stroke and lower limb amputation.
Among the former staff expected to attend the event will be Jennifer Wilkinson, who managed the Launceston diabetes centre before it became the JMDC. She said the centre's multidisciplinary approach was unique for the state.
"Diabetes is such a moving feast in so many ways," she said.
"People need to be educated over a whole range of things. It's not like heart disease, where you can go to the doctor periodically and get a script. It needs to be all-encompassing because attitude of mind, knowledge and support all contribute to outcomes."
One of Australia's fastest-growing chronic conditions, JMDC acting nurse unit manager Sam Beattie said living with diabetes for 40 years was worth celebrating.
"The goal of a diabetes centre is to work with the person living with diabetes, to provide support in living the fullest life for that person," she said. "Living for 40 years is quite an achievement and we wanted to recognise those people in the community."
For more information email nics@dhhs.tas.gov.au or call 6777 4145.