Once diagnosed with diabetes, people seek information on how to manage the condition. Traditionally, the role of Diabetes Ireland was to provide impartial general information. 

More recently with longer waiting lists, the organisation is increasingly being used as a resource for immediate support/information while the patient waits for an appointment. 

In response to this changing situation and in order to address the critical waiting time for certain professional appointments, Diabetes Ireland has embarked on an innovative new approach. This involves providing a range of professional services through its new Santry-based Diabetes Care Centre. 

This new initiative will see people with diabetes being able to book an appointment with a professional at subsidised rates, which are most competitive for Diabetes Ireland members.

Education programmes

The opening of the new Santry Care Centre has been a significant milestone in the evolution of Diabetes Ireland and is a direct result of a need by people with diabetes. 

Services at the Santry centre are currently being rolled out. In 2014 these will include dietetics, podiatry, retinopathy, counselling and workplace diabetes emergency training. The centre is also hosting the highly successful type 2 structured education programme – CODE.

It is envisaged that the centre will be a real benefit for members and, importantly, has potential to become a national model. 

The dietetic service was launched in October and provides speedy and affordable access to a dietitian with diabetes expertise. 

The service is tailored to individual needs and supports patients to manage their diabetes through monitoring their dietary and activity level and provides advice on lifestyle changes Initial consultations cost ?60 (or €80 to include Diabetes Ireland membership) with all follow-up appointments being ?35. These prices compare favourably to current private services. 

The retinopathy service was launched in November. Partnering with Global Vision, this offers local people the opportunity to access the National Diabetes Retinopathy Screening Programme. Referral of any individuals identified as needing retinal treatment is through the national referral pathways. 

The podiatry is planned for launch in December and will provide immediate access to screening and treatment for all people with diabetes. It is initially envisaged that the caseload will be low-to-moderate-risk feet and routine care. 

The service will also provide access to diabetes footwear at a more affordable price than other outlets available. 

Partnerships with GPs

The counselling service is due to be launched in early 2014 and will offer professional support to all people affected by diabetes. 

Patients will be helped with coping skills and given advice on the lifestyle changes and overcoming barriers. 

The emergency diabetes training in the workplace stems from the many requests received by Diabetes Ireland to give talks on how to manage diabetes-related emergencies in the workplace. 

This latest course for health and safety officers will be a “bolt on” module to standard first-aid training. 

It will equip the attendee with the knowledge and skills to identify diabetes risks in the workplace and to deal with emergencies as they arise. 

Formal referral by a healthcare professional to any of the services provided in the Diabetes Ireland Care Centre is not necessary but Diabetes Ireland welcomes partnerships with local practices in the vicinity of Santry to provide these services as part of an outreach approach.

The new centre is located just off the M50 opposite IKEA, making it easily accessible for people in the midland and northeast regions as well as all the Dublin hinterland. 

Patients can book a one-to-one appointment by phoning 1850 909 909.