A stable support system for students with diabetes

Sheffield Hallam University and The University of Sheffield medical centres are working in partnership to hold a bi-monthly clinic for students with type 1 diabetes. The clinics bring essential check-ups and tests into the student neighbourhood, making these services easier to get to.

Set up as part of the CCG’s Neighbourhoods network, the diabetes clinics are a proactive way of helping students keep up with their regular appointments. The clinics themselves provide foot checks, blood pressure checks, BMI calculating, and flu jabs. Patients’ blood glucose monitors are also downloaded at the clinics. These services make sure that any adjustments to medication are made quickly and efficiently, with each student receiving one-on-one support from a consultant and diabetic nurse specialist.

Students with diabetes were originally seen at Northern General Hospital. The clinics believe that bringing these services closer to the students who need them will improve attendance rates, and reduce footfall for hospitals too.

Michelle Varney, Practice Manager for Sheffield Hallam University Medical Centre, said:  “Though the diabetes clinics only launched in October, we’re already seeing great attendance levels.

“The clinics were set up to provide a stable support system and a consistent contact for students whilst they’re away from home. We’ve made the clinics as flexible as possible, so that students can fit in appointments and maintain their health, even during this busy time in their lives.

“We hope that these clinics can demonstrate how similar services can be provided within GP practices, instead of getting an outpatient appointment at the hospital.”

The diabetes clinic for students is hosted on alternate months at the University of Sheffield health Service and the Sheffield Hallam University Medical Centre. To find out more, please visit the Sheffield Hallam University website, or the University of Sheffield website.