Charles Fox

I have worked in the field of diabetes for over 50 years. In 1980 I joined Northampton General Hospital as a physician with an interest in diabetes. A year later I worked with Chris Gillespie, who was studying how doctors relate to people in diabetes clinics. From this collaboration came a principle that shaped my career: first listen to understand what matters to the person, then work together to plan realistic change.

We designed a course to help health professionals develop a more person-centred way of working with people living with long-term conditions. We wanted participants to leave with both a clear philosophy of person-centred care and the practical skills to apply it in their own settings. The course was named after Knuston Hall, the historic education centre in rural Northamptonshire, where it ran for 34 years.

Bob Anderson first came to Knuston in 2006, and the following year helped us design the first course to incorporate his empowerment model. We now have evidence that Knuston graduates are able to apply empowerment principles in their consultations with people with diabetes.