A seven-day diabetes service for inpatients and the emergency department in an acute hospital setting – the East and North Herts Diabetes Outreach Team (DOT)

Abstract

There is evidence that all hospital-based care needs to improve across 7 days. Inpatients with diabetes require better specialist attention and improved clinical outcomes. The East and North Herts inpatient diabetes service has responded to this challenge with care now delivered by consultants and diabetes nurses, 365 days per year. We set out to provide a prospectively measurable improvement in ascertainment of appropriate patients alongside a 'care bundle' to ensure they receive a better quality experience. We also set out to document quantifi able changes in clinical data. A seven-day service is now in place and provides a variety of benefi ts to both professionals and patients alike.