Free diabetes clinics for Tweed
TWEED diabetics now have a new weapon in the fight against the disease.
Thanks to the rollout of QML Pathology's fully bulk-billed Diabetes Care Clinics patients will no longer need to wait up to six months to see a diabetes educator.
Medical director Dr Debra Norris said clinics in Cabarita, Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads would provide welcome relief to the public health system.
"In collaboration with the patient's own GP, early action following a diagnosis is crucial to a patient's long-term health and QML's Diabetes Care Clinics will dramatically slash waiting times for both new and existing patients.
"All new patients can be seen within two weeks, with priority given to newly diagnosed patients.
"This is great news for the one in 10 who suffer from diabetes," Dr Norris said.
Kathy Harrison has worked as a diabetes educator with QML Pathology for more than 12 months.
"Our patients are referred by the GP and upon our first meeting we will run through their medical background, look at their glucose levels and pathology tests," Ms Harrison said.
"This helps us determine if changes need to be made in their self-management.
"For newly diagnosed patients we'll answer any questions and ensure they are equipped with all the information they need to manage their condition - from injecting insulin to tips on nutrition and other lifestyle factors that can impact on management."
Diabetes Care Clinics offer a mixture of individual and group education sessions.
Group sessions provide patients with an opportunity to network and share their experiences and insights.
The Diabetes Care Clinic offers a 100% bulk billed service.
Phone 07 3121 4444 or visit qml.com.au.
