Care in Northern Ireland vs Southern Ireland

[klm2010]

Hi all,
I'm brand new to this, just signed up a few mins ago to connect with more people with diabetes and to hopefully get some information on care for diabetes in Northern Ireland.
I'm 26 and was diagnosed with Type 1 last January. Although I now live in Northern Ireland, I was living in South of Ireland at the time (had done since birth) and I continue to work there so my diabetes care is in the South. It has been suggested to me that I register in the North as I'm now living here (although I'm only just over the border so it's still handy to go South!!

What i'm trying to do now is weigh up the options on where I'll get the best care!! Does anybody attend the diabetes clinic in Daisy Hill Newry??

In the South everything is free in relation to my diabetes, incl. insulin, test strips, glucometer etc. and there is no limit on how much of everything I can get. Does this also apply in North or so supplies have to be paid for.

Im also having huge difficulties in finding a course I can go on for carb counting. The clinic I attend in Dundalk isn't a DAFNE centre and my nurse and dietician are at present unable to help me in this respect as they dont have the training - are any courses like this available in North?

I know I've asked a lot here but if anyone can give me more info I'd really appreciate it and promise to return the favour in future wherever I can!!
Looking forward to replies and reading through the message boards!!
K

 

[Robster65]

Hi K. Welcome 🙂

Whilst I can't answer you specifically, I can tell you for certain that all supplies are free for Type 1s on the NHS, assuming you get the same deal as a UK citizen.

The only thing they limit sometimes is test strips but its down to the surgery.

Is there anything we can help with control-wise ?🙂

Rob

 

[pippin]

Welcome klm2010 I don't have diabetes but I am from Nothern Ireland (my dad has type 2) treatment is free with the NHS ie eyes/podiatry etc we were sent on a course but this is different than the one you refer to. Someone with type 1 may be able to help with this. I have the email and phone contact for diabetes NI which may be useful to ask questions to concerns if no one else here knows about type 1 courses

n.ireland@diabetes.org.uk Phone: 028 9066 6646

Treatment should still be free the only problem we could have is testing strips but that's for type 2. Sorry we don't know about Daisy Hill as we a further away so I can't help with that at all.

All prescriptions are free at the moment (even meds which aren't for diabetes) if a charge was brought back you would still have free diabetes prescriptions

Sorry I can't help more but hope something is useful

 

[MissMolly]

Hiya

Hi
I'm up in north and yes it is all free! Newry has a brilliant hospital which I've only heard good things about. I attend Craigavon but used to go to Royal when I lived in Belfast. As already said at times the limit up here can be tricky so don't leave South u can go to both so u at least have a back up 😉

All the best!

 

[Bolddog]

I dont know the answer to your question but if you wanted to ask a similar question for an RoI reply view you might try

http://m.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056196895

Regards & Good Luck

Bolddog

( there is a poster 'TBH' on there who IIRC has done a DAFNE course )

 

[Claire]

Hi

I am a type 1 diabetic for 25 years and have received diabetic care in NI for all that period. I attend the Ulster Hospital (I have also attended the Royal and Belfast City) when living in Belfast and have found the diabetic care to be excellent.

In NI, all my prescriptions are free (even for non diabetic meds). If charges were introduced again, my understanding is that this would not change. There are also courses to go on inluding DAFNE - leaflets can be given on this at your diabetic clinic. I was given an information pack at my last appointment. Eye appointments, podiatary etc are also free.

Hope this helps.

Claire

 

[Copepod]

Welcome klm2010

I suspect that strictly speaking, under EU law, EHIC etc, you should register for care in the state in which you are living / resident - ie Northern Ireland. If you didn't get a place on DAFNE in the years in Republic of Ireland from turning adult to 26, then there's not much reason to stay registered there. Plus, as others have said, prescribed medication is free in NHS, including Northern Ireland.

I spent 7 months in NI in 1998, soon after diagnosed, while carrying out MSc research, based in Public Health Dept in Belfast. As I was only a temporry resident, and would have to leave NI if I couldn't find paid work there, I didn't change my GP registration from college in London. However, through a bit of luck, the public health consultant with whom I was working, had previously been a houseman for a newly retired diabetes consultant, so he arranged an informal meeting for me - and the diabetes consultant was very encouraging, particularly giving some tips about managing in hills etc, so much so, that the following weekend I went on a very long hike round the Mournes, I think 🙂

 

[klm2010]

Wow, didn't expect so many responses, thank you all so much!
I've done a wee bit more looking into it myself and I think for now I'm going to stay put with my care in the south in the hope that my consultant will somehow get me onto a DAFNE course. I rang around a few places in the North that are DAFNE centres and they all reckoned it would be a long time before I'd get on a course here as I'd have to register, wait months for an appointment, wait a year under their care before being considered for DAFNE and then wait probably another 18 months to get on a course!!
Again, thank you all so much for your replies, I really appreciate it and it's great to be able to ask people who care!!