Media Releases - 12 July 2020
2020 Gwen Scott grant program applications now open
Victoria encourages health professionals, who have been a health professional member of our organisation for 12 months or more, to apply for the 2020 Gwen Scott grant program. This year, Diabetes Victoria will award up to $35,000 to health professionals to further their training and development in diabetes. Grant recipients can also take advantage of valuable networking opportunities with other professionals in the field of diabetes.
Gwen Scott was Australia’s first nurse employed as a specialist in diabetes education and the first employee of the Diabetes Association of Victoria, which is Diabetes Victoria today. Gwen Scott is best known for her contribution to diabetes education and for establishing the role of diabetes educators in Australia.
“Past recipients have used their grants in a myriad of ways – such as further study for a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education, attending international diabetes conferences, or assistance with completing a Masters of Advanced Nursing,” says Diabetes Victoria CEO: Craig Bennett.
Diabetes Victoria established the Gwen Scott grant program in 2006, as part of a commitment to health professionals who support those living with, or at risk of, diabetes.
“More than 342,000 Victorians are known to be living with diabetes and there is an increasing need to provide health professionals with opportunities to further their knowledge and understanding of diabetes, management strategies and health promotion,” Mr Bennett adds.
“Diabetes increases a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision and loss of a limb; so, the more we can encourage health professionals to further their learning in the field of diabetes, the better for all Victorians.”
“Diabetes is a complex and serious condition to manage. As information about diabetes changes quickly due to research findings and advances in technology, continuous learning is essential.
Health professionals need to update their knowledge and reflect on their practice in order to constantly improve the education and care they provide. Furthering their education will help them to better support people living with diabetes as well as widen their career options. This is an incredible opportunity not to be missed,” Mr Bennett concludes.
Lauren Bais is an accredited practising dietitian, who received funding through the 2019 Gwen Scott program. Lauren was able to travel to the United Kingdom, where she observed a DAFNE pump program.
“The Gwen Scott program increased my professional capacity and confidence in the OzDAFNE pump program. I was able to add to my pump experience by observing the UK DAFNE pump
program. Additionally, it helped improve my confidence in developing and delivering the first OzDAFNE pump pilot program in Australia,” saysLauren.
Applications for funding support under the 2020 Gwen Scott grant program close on Friday 1 May. Successful applicants will be announced during National Diabetes Week from Sunday 12 to Saturday 18 July.
We support, empower, and campaign for all Victorians affected by, or at risk of, diabetes.
Note to editors:
- Grant application details are available at: diabetesvic.org.au/gwenscott
- OzDAFNE is a group program for adults with type 1 diabetes. It is a way of managing type 1 diabetes by working out how much insulin is needed for the amount of carbohydrate eaten. More info: dafne.org.au
For more information:
Jane Kneebone 0416 148 845 jkneebone@diabetesvic.org.au
