If I hadn't been under what was frankly the appaling care of the Eastbourne childrens diabetes team then I would have given them the top mark. There is no other way about it, the childrens team in Eastbourne was pretty crappy. One useless consultant who did it.
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How is your diabetes care?
- Thread starter SilentAssassin1642
- Start date
- Status
Viki
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
I chose option 1!
Im at Central Middlesex Hospital (not in my local PCT).
Went up there from my own hospital to do DAFNE course and requested to change, to be under their care permanantly, there and then.
My reasons:
My regime, changes and issues are discussed with me, not dictated.
The staff know me by name and are very friendly.
I discuss issues with my DSN by email because its most convenient for me.
They suggested the pump for me based on my diaries and it all went very smoothly, even handling all of the negotiation with my own PCT with no "arguing" required from me.
They are DAFNE experts!
They want me to live as normal/fun life as possible for me and thats their main aim, not to squeeze me into some statistical box.
They put up a poster for this place inthe waiting room because i said they should!
Its not till i came on here that i realised how fortunate i am. I assumed (clearly wrongly) that everyone would recieve this level of care as its what we all deserve.
Shop around people! 🙂
Im at Central Middlesex Hospital (not in my local PCT).
Went up there from my own hospital to do DAFNE course and requested to change, to be under their care permanantly, there and then.
My reasons:
My regime, changes and issues are discussed with me, not dictated.
The staff know me by name and are very friendly.
I discuss issues with my DSN by email because its most convenient for me.
They suggested the pump for me based on my diaries and it all went very smoothly, even handling all of the negotiation with my own PCT with no "arguing" required from me.
They are DAFNE experts!
They want me to live as normal/fun life as possible for me and thats their main aim, not to squeeze me into some statistical box.
They put up a poster for this place inthe waiting room because i said they should!
Its not till i came on here that i realised how fortunate i am. I assumed (clearly wrongly) that everyone would recieve this level of care as its what we all deserve.
Shop around people! 🙂
PhilT
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1.5 LADA
I went for the top option.
I get all my care from my GP's surgery except for my retinopathy scan which is at the local hospital.
My Doctor is very good he always listens to what I have to say and explains the reason behind any changes in my treatment.
I also have all my blood tests done at my GP's surgery which is more convenient than having to go to the hospital and wait for ages.
My nurse Liz is great and is more like a friend then just my nurse.
I can always discuss things with her and she is very supportive.
Since I started on insulin she even suggested phoning me every other week in between reviews of my dosage to cut down on the number of visits I would have to make to the surgery otherwise.
I guess I must be one of the lucky one's as I know alot of people have very patchy care, and far from supportive healthcare teams.
I get all my care from my GP's surgery except for my retinopathy scan which is at the local hospital.
My Doctor is very good he always listens to what I have to say and explains the reason behind any changes in my treatment.
I also have all my blood tests done at my GP's surgery which is more convenient than having to go to the hospital and wait for ages.
My nurse Liz is great and is more like a friend then just my nurse.
I can always discuss things with her and she is very supportive.
Since I started on insulin she even suggested phoning me every other week in between reviews of my dosage to cut down on the number of visits I would have to make to the surgery otherwise.
I guess I must be one of the lucky one's as I know alot of people have very patchy care, and far from supportive healthcare teams.
rachelha
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
I am in Edinburgh
I went for neither good or bad. The DSNs are great, and I think things are improving. They have just started doing DAFNE courses which is a big step forward (but only I think 4 per year for 8 people each time). I have never discussed my diabetes with my GP it is all dealt with through the diabetic clinic which I am happy with as they are the experts.
I think you really need to make a fuss to get attention from them, for years I went along with poor control (lots of hypos and hypers, hba2c in the high 8s), but did not really kick up a fuss about it and I received v little support. Then I mentioned wanting to have kids and it all changed. Since then I have had good care, they run a pre-pregnancy clinic which I have been to every couple of months. The clinic is pump friendly to a certain extent, but the lack of funding means there are long waiting lists which is VERY frustrating.
I went for neither good or bad. The DSNs are great, and I think things are improving. They have just started doing DAFNE courses which is a big step forward (but only I think 4 per year for 8 people each time). I have never discussed my diabetes with my GP it is all dealt with through the diabetic clinic which I am happy with as they are the experts.
I think you really need to make a fuss to get attention from them, for years I went along with poor control (lots of hypos and hypers, hba2c in the high 8s), but did not really kick up a fuss about it and I received v little support. Then I mentioned wanting to have kids and it all changed. Since then I have had good care, they run a pre-pregnancy clinic which I have been to every couple of months. The clinic is pump friendly to a certain extent, but the lack of funding means there are long waiting lists which is VERY frustrating.
I'm under Newcastle. I think they've been pretty good really, except for one course that I went on which was patronising and a total waste of a morning, so I went for the second option.
My consultant's great though, she really listens. And I went on 2 other courses which were great. Actually, to have gone on 3 courses in 3 years is pretty good going, isn't it?
Steff, I don't know if you could ask to be referred to the diabetes centre at Newcastle General?
My consultant's great though, she really listens. And I went on 2 other courses which were great. Actually, to have gone on 3 courses in 3 years is pretty good going, isn't it?
Steff, I don't know if you could ask to be referred to the diabetes centre at Newcastle General?
Emmal31
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
I'm in Essex.I've had pretty good care since diagnosis although I'd say it's greatly improved whilst being pregnant with regular contact and help from my team. Although i'd say the diabetic nurses are a lot better with their advice and helpfulness the consultants always seem in a hurry to get you out the door quick as possible and can be quite blunt to put it lightly. ( I went for on the whole not bad)
Emma x
Emma x
sofaraway
Senior Member
My team are very good, I don't go to my local hospital.
My DSN is great have known her for nearly 4 years and is always very quick to get back to me if I call or email her, she's really listened to me on occasions when i have been upset about things.
My Consultant is great and knows me very well, i met her when i was an inpatient and I then transferred to her MODY clinic. She knows me well and I trust her with my care. She will go away and ask other people if she doesn't have the solutions or answers for me. I've done several research projects for her.
Despite it taking an hour to get to the hospital I will stay there and not transfer my care because they are so good. I am on the waiting list at my local hospital to do DAFNE, but think it could be a long wait.
My DSN is great have known her for nearly 4 years and is always very quick to get back to me if I call or email her, she's really listened to me on occasions when i have been upset about things.
My Consultant is great and knows me very well, i met her when i was an inpatient and I then transferred to her MODY clinic. She knows me well and I trust her with my care. She will go away and ask other people if she doesn't have the solutions or answers for me. I've done several research projects for her.
Despite it taking an hour to get to the hospital I will stay there and not transfer my care because they are so good. I am on the waiting list at my local hospital to do DAFNE, but think it could be a long wait.
Dizzydi
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Utterly Brilliant - even to the point of OTT
Seen by consultant monthly (Since diagnosis April 08)
See GP every 6 months
Consultant and his team have been fantastic - I think they have helped and supported me all the way as when I was first diagnosed I took Diabetes by the balls and did everything possible to beat (no control it). Lost weight, increased exercise etc.
Seen by consultant monthly (Since diagnosis April 08)
See GP every 6 months
Consultant and his team have been fantastic - I think they have helped and supported me all the way as when I was first diagnosed I took Diabetes by the balls and did everything possible to beat (no control it). Lost weight, increased exercise etc.
karinagal
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
I'm also in North Lanarkshire and as a lowly T2 with no insulin or medication needs, my diabetes care is managed solely by my gp practice (and me!).
Not sure yet if I'm getting the care/support I need, only time and experience will tell.. So went for the middle option..
Karina
Not sure yet if I'm getting the care/support I need, only time and experience will tell.. So went for the middle option..
Karina
Adrienne
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Parent
Not sure how to vote. How many times can I vote.
We are under the UCLH (London) who are second to none, the whole team is phenomenal, we have one of the, if not top, PDSN's in the UK, they all look up to her and have heard of her and the Prof is out of this world.
But locally, the two hospital are utterly dire. Seriously dire !
We are under the UCLH (London) who are second to none, the whole team is phenomenal, we have one of the, if not top, PDSN's in the UK, they all look up to her and have heard of her and the Prof is out of this world.
But locally, the two hospital are utterly dire. Seriously dire !
Voted for No 2. Am currently under the hospital rather than just the surgery due to dodgy numbers (weight and motivation issues, as much as weak insulin useage for this T2 I beleive). The clinic at hospital (Maple Unit, Milton Keynes) is good, people there all OK, parking fees a rip off and place is a little tatty, but that is NHS today. They try to be helpful and positive, without too much scolding.
Have had v good treatment at Drs, but have found out my Diabetic Nurse has quit, so will be interesting how good the replacement is come May and annual review time (although didnt bother last yr as was at clinic enough).
Have had v good treatment at Drs, but have found out my Diabetic Nurse has quit, so will be interesting how good the replacement is come May and annual review time (although didnt bother last yr as was at clinic enough).
Flutterby
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Having had diabetes for nearly 33 years, I feel that I mainly treat myself and a lot of the time just go through the motions of attending the clinic etc. I do think though that any problems are quickly dealt with such as my recent maculopathy and my diabetic nurse is really nice. On the whole - not bad but I don't know whether a newly diagnosed person would feel the same.
Hi Sam
I voted 'Needs a lot of improvement'
I'm in West Yorkshire and been diabetic for 7 years. For the first couple of years I wasn't too bad. The treatment was metformin and Rosiglitazone. I saw the nurse at the Doctor's surgery who was studying as a DSN.
It's impossible to see a Doctor (shout and scream and demand as much as I could) - Eventually referred to the Diabetes clinic at Calderdale Royal Halifax.
Managed to see consultant twice, told I had protein in my urine "we will look at that next time your here" and high blood pressure "we will look at that next time your here". After my second visit I had 5 appointments cancelled by the hospital, each time giving a new appointment approx 6 months later.
I gave up with the hospital and went back to the trainee DSN. Any problem I had was replied to with "mmm erm that's unusual" - I have severe problems with B12 deficiency which is being caused by metformin, it took 3 years to convince them that something was wrong, it was the nurse technician who suggested I was anemic. I had teeth taken out, was eating painkillers from the pharmacy like smarties. Surgery wouldnt prescribe painkillers "that sounds like an addiction to painkillers"
The list goes on and on..... In frustration I now use google when I have a problem, no ideal but had to do something!
I voted 'Needs a lot of improvement'
I'm in West Yorkshire and been diabetic for 7 years. For the first couple of years I wasn't too bad. The treatment was metformin and Rosiglitazone. I saw the nurse at the Doctor's surgery who was studying as a DSN.
It's impossible to see a Doctor (shout and scream and demand as much as I could) - Eventually referred to the Diabetes clinic at Calderdale Royal Halifax.
Managed to see consultant twice, told I had protein in my urine "we will look at that next time your here" and high blood pressure "we will look at that next time your here". After my second visit I had 5 appointments cancelled by the hospital, each time giving a new appointment approx 6 months later.
I gave up with the hospital and went back to the trainee DSN. Any problem I had was replied to with "mmm erm that's unusual" - I have severe problems with B12 deficiency which is being caused by metformin, it took 3 years to convince them that something was wrong, it was the nurse technician who suggested I was anemic. I had teeth taken out, was eating painkillers from the pharmacy like smarties. Surgery wouldnt prescribe painkillers "that sounds like an addiction to painkillers"
The list goes on and on..... In frustration I now use google when I have a problem, no ideal but had to do something!
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Sounds pretty awful Andy, and would probably be where I would be 'assigned' if I was back in Brighouse. Have you tried Kirklees?
Hi Northerner
I have made enquiries about changing Doctor's and asked if I can be referred to another hospital. My brother is diabetic and his Doctor is in Ripponden. The level of care there is brilliant. I think it's mostly because his Doctor is diabetic too and seems pretty clued up.
I will suggest Kirklees and see what they say.
Thanks for the suggestion, much appreciated.
Regards
Andy
Hi went for my first appointment with diabetic nurse today, I was expecting more than 10 min, it was hi how are you, i will refer you to dietician, she didnt know i was on meds for it, infact didnt know i was on any meds, dont think she looked in my notes untill i told her what meds I was on for my mini strokes, my high BP, then it was ok see you in a fortnight any problems contact this number, oh and here is a little book ( Diabetes Personal Record ) i asked do i need to test even though I am type 2, she said no we will wait to see how you get on, thenit was bye see you next time, dont get me wrong she was very nice, but it was like hello thx and goodbye.
sweetsatin
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
I have gone for option 1
My GP is fantastic cos she had diabetes while being pregnant & her family have it, hers disapeared after giving birth but she expects it to return.
We are on first name terms & she never rushes me at all, we work very closely with dsn so we all have the same info & know what the other one is doing.
I know i'm in safe hands with them
sounds like some of you need to come to my docs on the Isle of Wight lol
I fully recomend them. 🙂
My GP is fantastic cos she had diabetes while being pregnant & her family have it, hers disapeared after giving birth but she expects it to return.
We are on first name terms & she never rushes me at all, we work very closely with dsn so we all have the same info & know what the other one is doing.
I know i'm in safe hands with them
sounds like some of you need to come to my docs on the Isle of Wight lol
I fully recomend them. 🙂
Cate
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
I went for the top option, my diabetes team are fab (IMV!). I'm at St Helier hospital, in Carshalton, South London. I've been type 1 for 25 years, and have been seen at 3 other hospitals, none have been as good as this one. Mayday in Croydon: hopeless, especially for type 1. Musgrove Park in Taunton: paediatric team, hopeless as the consultant refused to speak to me and would only speak to my mother (I was 14 when we "moved on"). Princess Royal in Telford: young adult clinic was good - probably 2nd option in the poll.
Reasons my current team are fab:
1. Great support for pumps, they run a specialised group pump clinic which I attend every 6 months and only took 2 weeks to get my pump funding approved
2. DSNs are great and I have my DSN's mobile number in case I need to contact her out of hours. They also have an answer phone and are good at returning calls.
3. Consultants are very approachable and make time to answer questions etc during appointments.
4. They run a joint diabetic antenatal clinic for pregnant diabetics
5. If you're admitted as an inpatient to hospital for a reason other than diabetes they still come and visit you - and are much better at explaining what's going on than the actual docs in charge!
6. They're really quick at referring if complications are picked up - I have retinopathy and was first treated at the local eye clinic, then referred to Moorfields for further treatment.
7. They have invited me to do a talk at their GP training courses a couple of times - the first talk was on pregnancy and diabetes care, the 2nd was on different methods of treatment (I've used twice daily injections, MDI, pump over the years) - this is obviously just good for my ego lol.
Cate.
Reasons my current team are fab:
1. Great support for pumps, they run a specialised group pump clinic which I attend every 6 months and only took 2 weeks to get my pump funding approved
2. DSNs are great and I have my DSN's mobile number in case I need to contact her out of hours. They also have an answer phone and are good at returning calls.
3. Consultants are very approachable and make time to answer questions etc during appointments.
4. They run a joint diabetic antenatal clinic for pregnant diabetics
5. If you're admitted as an inpatient to hospital for a reason other than diabetes they still come and visit you - and are much better at explaining what's going on than the actual docs in charge!
6. They're really quick at referring if complications are picked up - I have retinopathy and was first treated at the local eye clinic, then referred to Moorfields for further treatment.
7. They have invited me to do a talk at their GP training courses a couple of times - the first talk was on pregnancy and diabetes care, the 2nd was on different methods of treatment (I've used twice daily injections, MDI, pump over the years) - this is obviously just good for my ego lol.
Cate.
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