Champlain LHIN providing better access to care for this priority patient population
August 30, 2011 - Six new diabetes education teams are now operational in the Champlain region, providing better access to care for people with this increasingly prevalent disease.
Improving services for people with diabetes is a key priority for the Champlain LHIN, because an estimated 8.5 per cent of adults in the Champlain region have the illness. Diabetes education teams consist of a registered nurse and a dietician, and each team on average serves about 700 clients each year. The health professionals help patients manage medications and improve diets to improve their overall health.
In the Champlain region, diabetes education teams serve urban and rural areas, Anglophone and Francophone populations, and Aboriginal communities. In addition, diabetes education groups are offered in different languages such as Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Somali and Vietnamese.
In total, 11 diabetes education teams have been added to the region since 2008. These teams are located throughout the region, from Pembroke in the west of our region to Ottawa in the centre and Akwesasne in the east, for example.
The Champlain LHIN played a key role in putting in place the 11 recently formed teams. Specifically, the LHIN analyzed available services, determined which services were missing in various geographical areas of the region, and calculated the amount of funding required.
As well, the Champlain LHIN successfully obtained funding for two new chiropodists in the region for diabetes patients, who can suffer from foot problems due to nerve damage, circulation problems and infections.
The LHIN has collaborated closely with local health-service providers to ensure people with diabetes receive high-quality, accessible and seamless care.
“The Champlain LHIN’s mandate is to work with communities and providers and bring partners together to improve care for patients,” explains Alex Munter, Champlain LHIN CEO. “Because more and more residents of our region are diagnosed with diabetes, the LHIN is working diligently to ensure the right services are available in the right place to match the growing demand.”
People with diabetes are at great risk for complications such as heart disease, stroke, foot ulcers, amputations and end-stage kidney disease. The aim of the diabetes education teams and other programs for patients with chronic disease is to provide more preventive care, which can help individuals avoid serious complications, and secondarily, save the health system money.
For instance, as many as 50 per cent of people with diabetes can show signs of early kidney damage, and if left untreated, this can result in kidney failure. Preventing one person with diabetes from developing end-stage kidney disease would save the health system approximately $65,000 each year.
Source: Champlain Local Health Integration Network
Email: champlain@lhins.on.ca
Website: www.champlainlhin.on.ca