A free local program is making it easier for people in Moree to access specialist diabetes care, right in their own community.
The HealthWISE Diabetes Shared Care program brings together a large team of health professionals such as diabetes educators, podiatrists, dietitians and exercise physiologists, to provide coordinated care tailored to each person’s needs.
“It really is a multidisciplinary team approach—and it’s holistic,” program care manager and nurse Christine Connor explained.
“Diabetes affects so many organs. People don’t realise. We all know that it affects our eyes, we know it affects our feet… but what we tend to not realise is it’s affecting the heart and the pancreas and the liver and the kidneys,” she said.
Each client meets with a team of health professionals to discuss how to manage their condition in a supportive and collaborative environment. This might include healthy eating and exercise plans, learning more about monitoring technology like continuous glucose monitors and flagging any health concerns related to diabetes.
“We’re working in a full circle, really, with what’s best for our clients,” Christine said.
Having access to so many health professionals in one place so close to home has made a difference for many.
“This is such a great service to be offered here in Moree. Not to have to travel outside the area to receive the service is excellent,” said one client.
For Christine, one of the most rewarding aspects of the program is seeing how it connects people with a wide range services they might not have reached without the program’s coordinated, local approach. Eliminating the cost of travel and specialist appointments removes barriers for many.
“People are actually getting services that have been long overdue,” she said.
“And it’s just given people the opportunity to be more aware about what’s going on with their own health.”
A core part of the program is education—helping clients understand how diabetes affects their body and empowering them to make informed choices about their care.
“This is an amazing service,” one client said.
“The ladies have explained so much about my diabetes, making it easy to understand.”
The Diabetes Shared Care program is available for people living in the Moree and Narrabri Local Government Areas who have diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2 and Latent Onset Diabetes in Adults. To take part in the program, speak to your general practitioner about your eligibility and ask for a referral.
The program is supported through funding from the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.
We’re working in a full circle, really, with what’s best for our clients
