In conjunction with local general practices a scheme for shared care of diabetes was set up with an initial pilot study in 1985. Subsequently this was expanded to include virtually all patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes and non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes attending the hospital clinic and incorporated over 1200 patients by the end of 1989. In the pilot study the improved ability to screen for complications was not offset by any deterioration in biochemical control resulting from the reduced frequency of hospital visits. Patients and general practitioners appeared enthusiastic in support of the ‘clinic‐wide’ Chester shared care scheme.