North Berwick GP Kevin Fernando has been named a diabetes champion, after a national search by Diabetes UK.

Dr Fernando, a partner at North Berwick Health Centre, is one of 20 Diabetes UK local clinical champions from across the country, whose role will be to help improve the quality of diabetes care.

The champions’ job includes working with commissioners and healthcare providers to improve the quality and consistency of diabetes services.

Dr Fernando said: “New cases of type 2 diabetes and its complications are rapidly increasing throughout Scotland, and GPs and nurses are seeing more and more patients who have the condition.

“The management of type 2 diabetes has become increasingly complex, requiring almost specialist levels of knowledge.

“As part of my new role as a Diabetes UK champion, I will be setting up a new training programme to educate healthcare professionals in all major aspects of diabetes management.” David Small, joint director of health and social care in East Lothian, said: “We are extremely pleased that Dr Fernando has been selected as a diabetes champion. He is a well-respected GP in East Lothian and contributes hugely to improving the health of his patients in North Berwick and to the wider population in East Lothian.

“We are looking forward to working with Dr Fernando to maximise the impact of his new role.”