Volunteers supporting patients with Type 2 Diabetes following their discharge

A specialist service has been launched at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) to help support patients living with type 2 diabetes.

Forming part of the Patient Support Hub at UHS, the pilot involves using a team of volunteers to deliver an enhanced support programme for patients prior to and following their discharge from hospital in collaboration with clinicians.

It is believed to be the first initiative of its kind in the UK.

The volunteers receive specialist training on the condition, including how to support the wider holistic needs of patients, and will use evidence-based education materials to help patients understand how they can control their condition and prevent the risk of complications.

The idea is that they will “fill the cracks” between patients’ hospital visits and their discharge home by continuing to advise and guide with self-management and lifestyle changes, as well as to offer wider every-day help.

More details about this programme can be found here.

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