Thursday, July 17, 2014
Champlain LHIN Expands Services for People with Diabetes
July 17, 2014 - More people with diabetes in the Champlain region are receiving improved care, thanks to a number of new programs and projects established by the LHIN. The aim is to increase people’s access to high-quality diabetes care across the region.
About nine per cent of the population in the Champlain region has diabetes. Many more people are living with pre-diabetes or are at risk of developing the disease.
The Champlain LHIN expanded diabetes services by bringing together partners, making decisions based on local needs, providing funding and monitoring progress. As a result, a number of new initiatives have been launched recently, such as:
- Putting in place a new central intake system for diabetes education programs in Ottawa to ensure clients have easier access to these services
- Expanding foot-care services to Arnprior and Carp to prevent complications of diabetes such as foot ulcers and amputations, increasing the number of these sites to 16 across the region
- Offering educational workshops to doctors and nurses on foot care for people with diabetes
- Screening newcomer communities at higher risk for diabetes, followed by appropriate referrals and educational programs
- Providing diabetes care for clients without a regular family physician in Renfrew County
- Involving patients and clients in system-wide planning for diabetes services by creating a committee of Champlain Client Champions
- Forming an expert committee to support better care for children with diabetes and to assist them in transitioning from youth to adult services.
In addition, the Champlain LHIN has selected two physician specialists, Dr. Phyllis Hierlihy and Dr. Janine Malcolm, to advise the LHIN on diabetes care and help implement new projects and programs. They will join nurse practitioner Ann Miller in these efforts.
“The new diabetes programs will help people navigate the health system, and ensure they receive the best care possible in the most appropriate setting. At the Champlain LHIN, one of our goals is to ensure more people with complex health conditions can manage their own conditions. The LHIN’s focus on diabetes will make a significant difference for this patient population.” - Chantale LeClerc, Champlain LHIN CEO
“Improving the prevention and management of diabetes is a key priority for our government. I am very proud of the progress the Champlain LHIN has made in establishing new programs and projects to increase access to high-quality diabetes care across the region. I am confident that by continuing to work together we can improve the health of our community by allowing residents to get the right care when and where they need it, and helping those with diabetes, or at risk to develop diabetes, live healthy, active lives.” - Yasir Naqvi, MPP - Ottawa Centre
Click here to learn more about diabetes programs in the Champlain LHIN.
If you are a provider or client and would like more information on any of these programs, please contact Leah Bartlett, Champlain LHIN Senior Integration Specialist (leah.bartlett@lhins.on.ca, or 613.747.3232 [toll-free 1.866.902.5446 ext. 3232]).
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