Kemptville District Hospital Diabetes Education and Support Team Relocates to the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus

In an example of hospital and community integration, Kemptville District Hospital and the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus have partnered to move hospital diabetes services into the community

OCTOBER 15, 2012 – Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) has collaborated with the University of Guelph (UoG) to expand its diabetes education and support services out into the community. The diabetes team has relocated from the hospital to the W.B. George Centre at the University of Guelph’s Kemptville Campus.

Catherine Van Vliet, KDH’s Director of Patient Services & Integration, is pleased that diabetes education and support can now be offered in a familiar setting. “We’re excited to be able to provide these services in a place where the community goes for education, for weddings, for sporting events and galas,” she said. “Our goal is to help people manage their diabetes or pre-diabetes, and our belief is that a less clinical setting makes these services more accessible for people who might be hesitant about going to a hospital.”

Dr. Claude Naud, Director of the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus, welcomes the hospital, represented by Catherine Van Vliet, Director of Patient Services & Integration, to the campus.

Dr. Claude Naud is the Director of the UoG, Kemptville Campus. “The University of Guelph is proud to be partnering with Kemptville District Hospital in expanding this important community service,” he stated. “We see this collaboration initiative as a tangible example of how two institutions can work together in reaching out and improving the quality of life and wellbeing of North Grenville citizens.”

Heather Kamenz, a diabetes nurse educator, and Julia Hicks, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, make up KDH’s Diabetes Education and Support Team. For those newly diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, or people with diabetes looking for a refresher course in managing their blood sugar, the team offers one-day or four-evening diabetes education programs, as well as half-day insulin instruction and diabetes prevention programs. One-on-one assessments with the nurse and dietitian are available for individualized support. Also offered are learning excursions like the popular grocery store tour, where clients learn how to interpret food labels and comparison shop.

KDH recently expanded its diabetes education and support services as part of its focus on population health issues. Kamenz explains that as many as 1 million Canadians are living with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Although it can often be prevented or delayed through increased physical activity, healthy eating and weight loss, if left untreated Type 2 diabetes can result in a variety of complications including heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, impotence, and nerve damage.

The symptoms of diabetes and pre-diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. Kamenz and Hicks urge people who have these symptoms and/or a family history of diabetes to visit their family physician for a simple blood-sugar test. People without a family doctor can contact the KDH Health Centre; Dr. Tania Zakhem is accepting patients.

All of KDH’s diabetes education and support services are free. The next grocery store tour will take place November 15, 2012 at Johnson’s Independent Grocer from 6 to 8 pm. To join a program or for more information call (613) 258-6133, extension 424. The W.B. George Centre is located at 48 Shearer Street, Kemptville.

About Kemptville District Hospital

Kemptville District Hospital is a fully accredited healthcare facility committed to building healthier communities. We are distinct within the provincial health system as a model of hospital-led integrated health services. We operate on two sites and provide primary care management services, acute care hospital services, advanced orthopaedic care and pride ourselves on being a good partner within the system. Kemptville Hospital consistently ranks among the top hospitals in Ontario for both patient and employee satisfaction.

For further information contact:

Jenny Read, Communications Lead

Tel: 613-258-6133 ext. 223

Email: jread@kdh.on.ca