Children's Diabetes Service - NGH

The Children's Diabetes Service comprises of:

• Consultant paediatricians
• A team of specialist diabetes nurses
• A paediatric diabetes dietitian
• A paediatric psychologist
• A ward link nurse
• Admin support
• Research nurses
• A diabetes specialist transition nurse

All of the doctors, specialist nurses, dietitians, and psychologists have completed courses related to caring for children and young people (CYP) with diabetes in the hospital and community settings.

The team are based at Northampton General hospital, however a large proportion of their work is carried out in other places. This includes patients homes, school, other education facilities, and other care environments.

Clinics are held at Northampton General Hospital and Danetre Hospital.

CYP are educated and supported from diagnosis until they transfer from the paediatric service to the adult service (which usually takes place between the ages of 16 and 19). It is the aim of the paediatric service to empower the CYP to be independent in self-managing their condition by the time they move into adulthood.

CYP will be referred to the paediatric service by their GP. Those newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes will be admitted for a minimum of three nights to enable in-depth education around this challenging diagnosis. The team also educate and support CYP with type 2 diabetes.

There is an on-call rota, whereby the team are responsible for any out-of-hours calls related to diabetes management. It is the aim to enable the CYP to remain at home and liaise with the on call-staff. Occasionally, an admission to hospital during time of illness may be advised.