Service provision Resources

Conversations about menopause are finally happening. It is no longer the hushed whispers between women of a certain age, it is being talked about openly, honestly and at a national level. Healthcare professionals, education providers, employers and policy makers have woken up to the fact that adequate menopause health care for women has been sadly lacking for many years.

As a consequence of increasing prevalence, cost, and complications of diabetes, there has been a significant shift in the management of patients with diabetes from secondary to primary care in the last decade (Hawthorne et al, 2012). This article explores some of the goals, issues and practicalities in caring for people with diabetes in primary care, based on a community model used by a diabetes specialist team in London, and the role of diabetes specialist teams in supporting general practice nurses (GPNs) and other healthcare professionals in the multidisciplinary team. It also highlights the importance of ongoing diabetes education and training to ensure that all patients receive early diagnosis, appropriate health checks, an individualised treatment plan, and appropriate referral as needed.