Kemptville District Hospital consolidates expanded Diabetes Services at the Hospital

The Diabetes Team has returned from the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus to the Hospital in order to co-locate its education and support services with its new Chiropody Foot Care Clinic

JULY 29, 2013 – After eight months of offering its services at the W.B. George Centre at the University of Guelph’s Kemptville Campus, the Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Diabetes Education and Support Team has moved into newly renovated space at the hospital in order to consolidate its services for people with diabetes – which now include regular chiropodist clinics – in one location.

The KDH Diabetes Team (left to right): Nurse Heather Kamenz, Chiropodist Lena MacMillan, Pharmacist Mary Whyte and Dietitian Julia Hicks

In collaboration with the University of Guelph, KDH had moved its diabetes education and support services out into the community in the early fall of 2012. Both partners were excited about the opportunity for community members to receive diabetes education and support in a familiar and less clinical setting.

Then in November, 2012, KDH had the opportunity to partner with the Community Diabetes Education Program of Ottawa to bring chiropodist services to its catchment area. Chiropodists are primary healthcare specialists who are experts in the management of foot problems. As a regional Community Chiropody Foot Care Program site, KDH is now home to twice-monthly chiropodist clinics.

The addition of chiropodist services to the KDH diabetes program is especially important given that North Grenville patients have a high risk for diabetes-associated amputations compared to other areas in the province.

The move, which took place the last week of June, means that the chiropody clinic and the diabetes assessment, support and education spaces are now all in close proximity to each other, as well as close to hospital entrances.

Catherine Van Vliet, KDH’s Director of Patient Services and Integration, commented on how the move will benefit patients: “With the addition of the Community Chiropody Foot Care Clinic to our diabetes programming, we wanted to ensure that patients could easily access all elements of the program in one location. The move also allows all the members of our diabetes team to work closely together, and we know that being able to access a team helps patients better manage their diabetes. ”

Van Vliet also expressed the hospital’s appreciation to the University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus, for providing the program’s former space at the W.B. George Centre, and stated that KDH is looking forward to future opportunities to collaborate.

The KDH Team is made up of four members: Heather Kamenz, a diabetes nurse educator; Julia Hicks, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator; Chiropodist Lena MacMillan; and Mary Whyte, KDH’s Charge Pharmacist, who reviews medications for patients with diabetes.

In addition to chiropodist services, KDH offers a full range of diabetes education and support programming including day and evening group education, individual counseling, insulin instruction, a pre-diabetes program, grocery store tours (where clients learn how to interpret food labels), self management and support groups, and telephone support.

All the services of KDH’s Diabetes Education and Support Team are free and self-referrals are welcome. To join a program call (613) 258-6133, extension 424, or email diabetes@kdh.on.ca. For more information about programs, call Diabetes Nurse Educator Heather Kamenz at (613) 258-6133 extension  212, or Registered Dietitian Julia Hicks at (613) 258-6133 extension 216.

About Kemptville District Hospital

Kemptville District Hospital is Accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest ranking bestowed by Accreditation Canada. Committed to building healthier communities, we are a model of hospital-led integrated health services within the provincial health system. Kemptville District Hospital consistently ranks among the top hospitals in Ontario for both patient and employee satisfaction. We pride ourselves on being a good partner within the system. We operate on two sites and provide primary care management services, acute care hospital services, and advanced orthopaedic care.

For further information contact:

Jenny Read, Communications Lead

Tel: 613-258-6133 ext. 223

Email: jread@kdh.on.ca