Team Focus aims to increase awareness and understanding of our organisation’s varying services, no matter how large or small.This month, Kizzy Harris, service manager of the Diabetes and Nutrition Team gives an overview of the service.

“The Diabetes and Nutrition Service is currently made up of 13 clinical and admin staff, covering three broad areas of activity: education for both patients with diabetes and health care professionals, diabetes specialist nursing and dietitians. Together, these three elements of our service work together with other healthcare partners across Bristol to provide comprehensive support to people with diabetes.

The number of people in the UK with diabetes has reached an all-time high of 3.9 million, and around 10 per cent of the NHS budget is spent on managing it. Bristol CCG says that there are nearly 20,000 people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in Bristol. As a result of this, there is a lot of work going on at the moment across Bristol to improve all the services for people with diabetes and we are pleased to be actively involved in the many projects going on.

Diabetes education
We provide a range of free education courses around Bristol for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, to support people with diabetes to learn more about their condition and how to manage it, so that they can live the life well. You can find out more about these by clicking this link

On the first Thursday of every month (9am – 12 noon) we also run a drop in clinic for anyone with diabetes at the Charlotte Keel Health Centre. Our HealthLinks translators attend these sessions to support people whose first language isn’t English.

We also have a wealth of online video clips and further information for people with diabetes, on a wide range of related topics including low mood and sexual dysfunction. These are available in six community languages and British Sign Language as well.

Diabetes specialist nurses
We have three community diabetes specialist nurses who work closely with other health care professionals, including GP practices across Bristol with training and advice. The diabetes specialist nurses also provide study days, conferences and network meetings throughout the year for local healthcare professionals.

As well as supporting the education of healthcare professionals, the Diabetes Specialist Nurses team carry a small caseload of local people with diabetes and complex issues. These patients require short term intensive support and education from our team.

Dietitians
Our dietitians provide nutrition advice primarily to people with diabetes but also to a small number who have conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies. Together our team provide a wide variety of patient education, information and clinics.

“Absolutely brilliant course with three outstanding tutors. I thought I knew all I needed to know after 37 years of type 1 – I didn’t. I know more now than ever”. Food Freedom course feedback

“I have learnt so much to help me manage my diabetes successfully, including how to manage my insulin. I also understand carbohydrates and how they work. I have made changes and I am in single figures for the first time in years! Thank you!”
Diabetes 2 insulin course feedback

Patients and healthcare professionals can click here to learn more about our service.