BC Diabetes opens new clinic to the public

BC Diabetes has opened the doors of a new clinic in Vancouver that is significantly improving the healthcare experience for diabetes patients.
The new clinic, located at 210 West Broadway, allows specialist diabetes caregivers and physicians to work closely together in the same space, providing integrated care and creating easier access for more diabetes patients and their families.
This one-stop healthcare model reduces patient wait times and significantly helps to relieve the anxiety of people living with diabetes.
“The new space offers much improved efficiency and support for our patient care model because our individual patient case managers and onsite diabetes specialists are now under one roof,” says BC Diabetes Medical Director, Dr. Tom Elliott. “By working together – along with the patient’s own physician and other medical caregivers – we are able to offer integrated, timely and efficient patient care.”
BC Diabetes’ patient-centred, evidence-based case management model is considerably different from most traditional health care clinics in BC, and studies have shown it presents better outcomes. Each BC Diabetes patient is assigned a personal case manager to help them coordinate their often stressful post-diagnostic healthcare needs, and to navigate the ongoing healthcare process. Most diabetes patients are required to schedule appointments and make decisions about their treatment with various caregivers in multiple locations. At BC Diabetes, patient care is integrated in one location, and clinic staff manages the entire process for patients. The clinic’s personal case management approach helps alleviate patient stress and leaves them free to focus on what’s most important – their health.
“Our focus is on building personal relationships, including clear boundaries, with each patient”, say Elliott. “This improves our delivery of care and also provides each patient with the latest tools and knowledge to manage once they walk out our doors.”
In a first for public health care in BC, patient wait times are posted on the BC Diabetes website. The approach provides complete transparency, and makes it as easy as possible for patients to plan and schedule their appointments. It also keeps the clinic accountable for providing the most efficient service possible.
British Columbians diagnosed with diabetes and eligible for Medical Services Plan of BC (MSP) coverage can access almost all BC Diabetes services after receipt of a physician’s referral.
BC Diabetes’ potentially groundbreaking Ustekinumab Study (UST1D), announced earlier this year and currently underway, will be moved to new facility.
The 12-month UST1D study is one of the first clinical trials to target the immune cells that cause Type 1 diabetes, and could be a major breakthrough for Type 1 diabetes treatment in Canada.
BC Diabetes provides diabetes healthcare, research and education to all adult British Columbians through a traditional in-person approach and virtualized care. Its services complement those provided by family physicians & existing hospital-based diabetes centres.
BC Diabetes offers insulin starts within 24 hours anywhere in BC as well as rapid access to diabetes specialists, certified diabetes educators, nurses, dietitians, & fitness coaches via in person, telephone & video conference appointments.
Its research program includes 15+ active clinical trials with investigational new drugs, treatment philosophies & devices. In addition it offers specialized pharmacy services and an online patient portal.
For more information please visit www.bcdiabetes.ca.

 

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