A hospital network in Durham Region is shutting down diabetes care at two of its locations later this month, claiming it will improve services for the thousands of patients who rely on them.
has confirmed that Lakeridge Health is closing its diabetes clinics in Ajax and Bowmanville, merging operations into one location at its Whitby hospital.
Lakeridge Health spokesperson Sharon Navarro confirmed the merger in a statement to , describing it as a strategic “enhancement” instead of a cutback in service.
“Lakeridge Health is not scaling down or phasing out its Diabetes Education Program,” she said.
Navarro explained that the goal is to create an “integrated diabetes and renal clinic” at the Whitby site to better assist patients with more complex needs.
For example, Navarro noted that about 50 percent of all individuals with diabetes eventually develop kidney disease or already have a renal condition.
“Locating these services together at our Whitby site, which already houses Lakeridge Health’s renal program, will enhance coordination of care and the patient experience,” Navarro said, adding that staffing levels will match patient volumes.
Lakeridge Health confirmed that the transition for what it calls the Diabetes Education Program started as early as June 17.
This program provides patient assessments, nutritional counseling, insulin training, blood glucose meter instructions, and group education sessions related to diabetes for over 5,500 people.
The hospital mentioned that most patients prefer conducting their sessions in-person rather than virtually or via phone call.
The hospital stated that the transition will wrap up by June 30. Navarro said the quick timeline aims to reduce disruption for patients, staff levels, and care quality.
She added that all affected individuals have been contacted directly by phone and written notifications are being sent out.
Volunteers will also be available at the Ajax and Bowmanville hospitals, she noted, to help anyone who shows up at the former clinics once they’re closed.
Source link
Source link
