The Diabetes Education Centre is located on the 3rd floor of the South East Wing of the Ross Memorial Hospital. The Centre can be reached at 705-328-6091 or by fax at 705-328-6202. 

Ross Memorial Hospital’s Diabetes Education Program was launched in the spring of 2004 and plays a critical role in helping people with diabetes learn the necessary skills to effectively prevent diabetes complications and improve their quality of life.

Recently, a new diabetes education and care team were added to the program. Consisting of an additional full time nurse and dietitian, along with several part-time staff, Ross Memorial’s new care team is part of a disease management and prevention system that helps clients take an active role in the day-to-day monitoring of their condition. 

In total, the Diabetes Education program at Ross Memorial includes two fulltime diabetes nurse educators, two fulltime diabetes dietitian educators, as well as a part-time nurse educator and a part-time dietitian educator.

The Diabetes Education Centre offers:

• Individual appointments
• Croup education sessions
• Special group classes (carbohydrate counting, heart health, health maintenance, stress management, intensive management)

The Centre also offers in-services to health professionals, keynote speakers, workshops and displays for community groups, and a metoring program for students.

Monthly Drop-in Clinics 

In the fall of 2005, the program added a monthly drop-in morning for diabetes maintenance.  This clinic is for those who have diabetes and need some assistance with their maintenance program.  With this program, the Diabetes Nurse Educator and Dietitian Educator are available for brief consultation, questions or concerns.  It requires no advance appointment, and individuals will be seen on a first come first served basis. Further follow-up is arranged as required.

The drop-in clinic runs the fourth Friday morning of each the month with health professionals available to answer your questions. This clinic offers individuals in the community assistance in managing their diabetes.

Physician Referrals

The Diabetes Education Program also includes a physician clinic to complement the education component.  Referrals to the medical diabetes clinic can only be done through the After Hours Clinic located at the hospital, the emergency department, or the Diabetes Education program at Ross Memorial. This service is designed to assist the many people with diabetes in our community that do not have a family physician, but need medical care to monitor their condition.

Who can Participate in the Program?

• Adults with Type 1, Type 2, or pre-diabetes
• Newly diagnosed or those who are interested in updating their knowledge about diabetes
• Women with gestational diabetes
• Those who need insulin initiation by physician's request
• Those interested in insulin pump therapy and continuous blood glucose monitoring

Diabetes Maintenance Information Sessions

Each month the Diabetes Maintenance Information Sessions focus on a different topic and host a range of speakers. All sessions are held at Queen Street United Church in Lindsay. Please call 705-328-6091 for more information.

What to Bring to your First Appointment

• Blood glucose meter, if testing, and your log book
• A list of all your medications
• Insulin pen and equipment, if you are taking insulin
• A relative or friend for support
• Reading glasses, if you need them
• A list of questions or concerns that you wish to discuss with the nurse or dietitian

For more information on diabetes, visit the Canadian Diabetes Association website.

For more information on the Diabetes Education Team, click here.

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