Ontario investment helps to deliver high-quality foot care to patients living with diabetes, closer to home
On World Diabetes Day, York Region’s Mobile Diabetes Foot Care Bus is proud to unveil it is seeing a tremendous return on investment after the clinic saw over 500 visits in the first six months thanks to Ontario’s $383,335 investment. The mobile clinic’s specialized nurses deliver high-quality foot care to those living with diabetes through one-on-one examinations, toenail trimming and foot care education.
“Since the inception of the Mobile Diabetes Foot Care Clinic, we’ve seen incredible reception and success,” said Anne Forsey, Clinical Manager, Diabetes Education Clinic & Chronic Disease Management, Southlake Regional Health Centre. “We have served patients from York Region, Southern Simcoe County and Georgina Island and are seeing a growing increase in referrals each quarter.”
The mobile clinic, which is a partnership with Southlake Regional Health Centre, Mackenzie Health, Oak Valley Health, Humber River Hospital, North York Family Health Team, North York General, Vaughan Community Health Centre, SE Health, and CareFirst, is extending the reach of clinical care to people living with diabetes by fostering accessibility and equity of services for this high need and underserviced population of patients.
“This new clinic is a testament to the collaboration and partnership of our local hospitals and community partners,” said Brigette Boaretto, Director, Diabetes Clinics, Research and Infection, Prevention & Control, Southlake Regional Health Centre. “The clinic addresses the challenges of accessing timely preventative foot care and maintenance by providing services closer to home for patients with mobility challenges.”
It is essential people living with diabetes take good care of their feet. Diabetes is a life-long disease that can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels over time, which can lead to loss of feeling and decreased blood flow in the feet. If left untreated, serious complications including ulcers and lower limb amputation could occur. Patients interested in receiving care through the Mobile Diabetes Foot Care Clinic can do so through the Diabetes Education Clinic at their local partner hospital, family health team or community health centre.
QUICK FACTS
- 93% of patients report having a positive experience at the clinic through post visit surveys.
- The clinic offers treatment to people living with diabetes registered through one of the partner Diabetes Education Clinics, with a focus on providing care for those with financial difficulties, no extended health benefits, transportation and mobility issues, cognitive and physical impairment, issues with activities of daily living/basic self-care, diabetes neuropathy, diabetes nephropathy and diabetes retinopathy.
