North Derbyshire Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse Referral Criteria
Aims
• To support patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, with complex needs, in achieving optimum glycaemic control, through short term specialist intervention.
• To provide telephone support and advice to health care professionals/ patients/ carers.
• To work in partnership, with patients with diabetes, providing individuals with a plan of care that is updated as required as progress is reviewed and evaluated.
• To provide an integral part of the whole care pathway for diabetes; bridging the gap between primary care and secondary care
• To support patients, carers and health care professionals in structured educational programmes and informal sessions.
Referral Criteria
• Patients with Type 2 Diabetes with suboptimal glycaemic control, despite intensive management with maximum tolerated oral therapy following North Derbyshire Guidelines for advice on treatment changes.
• Patients with Type 2 Diabetes with suboptimal glycaemic control, on insulin therapy for advice on treatment adjustments or changes.
• Patients with Type 1 Diabetes with suboptimal glycaemic control who are unable or unwilling to attend secondary care services
• Patients with Type 1 Diabetes who require additional support and education to manage their condition and treatment in the community.
• Those requiring support to overcome barriers to self care of treatments and condition.
• Management of Diabetes when other treatments initiated (eg. Corticosteroids) have destabilised patient's control
• Patients with issues concerning recurrent hypoglycaemia or unexplained hyperglycaemia
• Patients that are frequently admitted to hospital (eg. With DKA)
• Patients who would benefit from specialist support and advice in relation to specific activities of daily living due to their diabetes eg. Exercise/ travel/ sick day rules
• Patients treated with insulin therapy who are required to starve prior to procedures.
Referral Process
• All referrals should be completed using Community Diabetes Nurse referral form with a current medication printout attached.
• Please ensure all patients are aware of referral and wish to be seen
• Lead Diabetes Specialist Nurse will triage written referrals.
• Patient will be contacted and offered a mutually convenient appointment locally.
• Failure to attend first appointment may result in patient's discharge from the service.
• Home visits may be requested for housebound patients requiring specialist support. These may be offered as a joint appointment (eg. with Community Matron). However the responsibility of routine diabetes management of housebound patients lies with the GP practice.
• It is helpful if patients are blood glucose monitoring prior to referral and have adequate strips on repeat prescription (2 -3 boxes a month may be required)
• This is a not an emergency service. Service provided Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
• Patients are discharged back to GP Surgery once management plan is in place.
(October 2014)
Telephone Direct line: 01629 817878
Fax: 01629 817890