The new Stephanie Marks Diabetes Resource Centre at St 
Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, part funded by DRWF, is set to open on 20th May 2010, following a two year building project.
The new centre is to be officially opened by Sir Ian Botham OBE and offers a ‘one stop shop’ for people with diabetes.
Construction started after DRWF awarded an £81,000 grant to the Stephanie Marks Appeal to bridge the funding gap required for the new centre, back in 2008.
A cheque was presented by DRWF Trustee, Mrs Jane Sutherland-Earl and CEO Sarah Bone to the Stephanie Marks Appeal Patron, Sir Ian Botham and Committee Chairman Clive Thompson, at a media launch held on 4th September 2008.
In recognition of the substantial grant made by DRWF, a resource/seminar facility at the centre will named after the charity. The full range of DRWF patient information leaflets and diabetes awareness necklaces will also be available within the centre, free of charge.
The new Diabetes Resource Centre comprises a large reception and waiting area (to be fitted out with health information television and internet facilities); a Podiatry clinic; consulting rooms, one specifically for eye tests; an assessment room for weighing and measuring; a sluice room; offices for diabetic nurses (including community nurses) and dieticians; and a well-equipped seminar and education room.
It will aim to improve the quality of diabetes care across a wide area of Surrey and West Middlesex, providing faster and easier access to diabetes treatment, education and research for patients, carers and medical professionals. It will also offer outpatient and nurse led clinics; structured patient education; an insulin pump service and a space for support groups to meet, all under one roof.
The Stephanie Marks Appeal was established to assist in the relief of persons with diabetes and raise awareness about the condition and its associated complications. It was launched in June 2003 following the sad death of 17 year old Stephanie Marks who had received treatment for Type 1 diabetes at St. Peter's.
It was St Peter’s Consultant Diabetologist and Endocrinologist Dr Mike Baxter who had the foresight to see the value a dedicated diabetes resource centre would bring to the local community.
Dr Baxter, who has spear-headed the campaign from the start, said, ‘From the hospital Trust’s point of view, we are delighted to be able to offer our patients this first-class resource... This is a real legacy to Stephanie, and a community resource that will benefit patients for many years to come.’