For Patients and Visitors
What is the Diabetes Service?
The Diabetes service at Northern Health provides specialised care for both outpatient and hospitalised patients with diabetes living in the Northern region of Melbourne.
Our inpatient diabetes services provide consultations, support and treatment advice on hospitalised patients to promote safe and optimal management of their diabetes during their hospital stay. We will work with the patient and their carers or family to ensure a safe transition back to the community at the time of discharge
Our outpatient diabetes services including the Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP) diabetes service, provide specialist treatment, care planning, education and support to help people manage their diabetes independently and reduce the risk of hospital admission.
Our HARP diabetes service is available at Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre. This service is also available at DPV Health – Epping, which is joint service with the Northern Health Diabetes Service.
What can I expect from the Service?
When you attend a HARP diabetes appointment, you may be seen by one or more diabetes team members who may include the diabetes doctor (Endocrinologist), Nurse Practitioner Diabetes, Diabetes Nurse Educator, Dietitian, Podiatrist or other allied health members. Together, you will develop an individual care plan to help manage your health goals, which may include medication, lifestyle management and skills to help you manage your diabetes. We strive to collaborate with clients, providing relevant support for self-management and education that guides individuals in looking after all aspects of their diabetes. Interpreters are available in most languages at Northern Health; we will do our best to ensure an interpreter is available for your appointment.
How to refer to the service
You need a referral from your GP or Family Doctor to access this service. Your GP will send your referral to the hospital. Once we receive the referral, we will send you a letter with an appointment. There is currently a 6-12 weeks wait for the first appointment with a Diabetes Nurse Educator.
What do I bring/need for my appointment?
Please bring with you the following items:
- A list of your current medications (including over the counter medicines)
- A list of your health conditions
- Your blood glucose monitor and lancet device
- Your blood glucose readings or log book
- Pathology results or name of the pathology company where you last had blood tests
Contact us
Phone: 9495 3443
Email: Community.Access.helpdesk@nh.org.au
