A review of diabetes-related hospital admissions in Montserrat has identified 15 lower-limb amputations over a five-year period, prompting the introduction of a standardized diabetic foot-risk assessment tool aimed at reducing preventable limb loss here.
The findings were presented by NHS Community Practice Educator Rachel Jackson during the Ministry of Health’s Fourth Annual Research Day, on the topic, “Reducing Diabetic Amputations at Glendon Hospital: Implementing a Standardised Diabetic Foot Risk Stratification Tool.”
She said Montserrat has a high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension and she undertook “a retrospective review of admissions to the ward between 2020 and 2025 and I identified 15 diabetes-related amputations.”
Jackson noted that this “equates to roughly one in every 293 residents undergoing an amputation over a five-year period.”
So this project addresses the critical and disproportionately high rates of diabetes-related amputations on the island of Montserrat,” explained the Professional Nurse Advocate.
To help address the issue, Jackson introduced an island-wide Diabetic Foot Risk Stratification Tool, now in use across both hospital and community healthcare centres on island.
The tool provides a standardized approach to assessing patients, identifying those at higher risk and ensuring timely referral and treatment.
Jackson noted that evidence suggests up to 85 per cent of diabetes-related amputations can be prevented through early identification and intervention.
The initiative also includes patient education leaflets to encourage regular foot care and help individuals recognize warning signs before complications develop.
The project has since been handed over to local healthcare professionals, who will oversee its continued implementation and integration into routine clinical practice.