Diabetes - Information for Patients
Getting referred
If you wish to be referred to an ESS Community Diabetes Clinic, you need to visit your GP to obtain a referral.
Choose and Book referrals
If your GP refers you via Choose and Book, you may be able to directly book an appointment with your doctor at the time of the referral. Otherwise you will be given a booking reference number (called a UBRN) and a telephone number to ring to book an appointment.
Paper referrals
If your GP makes a ‘paper’ referral, he/she will send this to our administration office. The referral will be triaged (read over to make sure your condition is suitable for the service) by a member of our clinical team and if accepted you will receive an appointment letter in the post.
What to expect at your Diabetes appointment
It is important to bring all your medications in with you to all your diabetes appointments. You should also bring a log/diary of your blood glucose measurements (if you keep one).
When you arrive at the Diabetes clinic, report to the designated reception area. The Health Care Assistant will call you in and take your blood pressure, a blood glucose reading, and your height and weight. She may also ask you about your general health, lifestyle habits and medications.
You will then be seen by a doctor specialising in diabetes. They will take your history and ask you about your condition. They should go through your recent blood test results and medication, and discuss a management plan for your diabetes with you.
If any further tests or other referrals are required, the doctor or administration staff will organise these. If you require a follow up appointment, the doctor will notify the administration team and you will receive an appointment letter in the post in a few days.
The doctor will also send a written summary of your consultation and treatment plan back to your GP within five to seven working days.
Changing/cancelling appointments
If you need to change or cancel an appointment for any reason, please contact the Administration Team on 0208 430 8189 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. There is a voicemail service if you are unable to get through, and we aim to respond to all messages within 24 hours. Wherever possible, please allow at least 48 hours notice when cancelling or changing an appointment.
Repeat prescriptions
If you are prescribed treatment at your Diabetes appointment and have run out, repeat prescriptions should be obtained through your GP. The doctor you saw will send a letter to your GP after your appointment which will detail your treatment plan, including the names and dosages of any medications you may be started on.
Chaperone Policy
ESS Primary Care Solutions is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where patients and staff can be confident that the best practice is being followed at all times and the safety of everyone is of paramount importance.
For most patients, respect, explanation, consent and privacy take precedence over the need for a chaperone. The presence of a third party does not negate the need for adequate explanation and courtesy and cannot provide full assurance that the procedure or examination is conducted appropriately.
All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure where they feel one is required.
Patients are advised to ask for a chaperone if required, at the time of booking an appointment, if possible, so that arrangements can be made and the appointment is not delayed in any way. The Healthcare Professional may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations.
A copy of our Chaperone Policy can be provided on request.
Questions?
If you have any further questions about your appointment or treatment, you can contact the Administration Team on 0208 430 8189 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Comments/Suggestions?
If you would like to comment on your experience within the Diabetes Clinic or have any suggestions on any aspect of the service, please contact the administration team or use our online form