Greece: Lack of nursing support in municipal nurseries affects children with Type 1 diabetes

The Panhellenic Federation of Diabetes Associations (POSSASDIA) has reported significant obstacles for children with Type 1 diabetes attending municipal nurseries and preschools. Due to a lack of nursing staff to administer necessary insulin and perform continuous monitoring, families are often forced to either withdraw their children from these institutions or bear the private costs of nursing support.

In response, ESAMEA, the parent organization of POSSASDIA, has submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Interior. The proposal calls for a comprehensive nursing support framework to ensure the health, safety, and equal participation of all children in early childhood education.

Key recommendations include a nationwide registry of current nursing staffing levels in municipal nurseries, the establishment of a mandatory minimum staffing requirement per municipality—including at least one university-educated nurse—and the creation of a mechanism for immediate nursing coverage to address emerging needs.