We hope the following information on this page will be helpful to you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Diabetes Specialist Nurses on (01604) 545930 between 0900 and 1700 Monday - Friday who will be happy to help you.
Self management of your diabetes
If you have diabetes treated with insulin and are admitted to hospital you will be asked whether you wish to continue to make your own decisions about the management of your diabetes during your admission, if you are feeling well enough to do so.
As you are the person with most experience in caring for your diabetes we would encourage you to continue to make your own decisions about your treatment wherever possible.
If you choose not to self manage during your admission medical and nursing staff will take decisions on your behalf but wherever possible you will be consulted.
If the medical condition for which you were admitted means that you are not well enough to make your own decisions (for example if you need sedation or if you need to be treated with intravenous insulin), medical and nursing staff will take over the management of your diabetes until you feel ready to look after yourself.
If you wish to take responsibility for managing your diabetes during your admission you will be asked to sign a form to confirm this.
You will also be asked to keep a record of your blood sugar levels and the insulin you have taken so that medical and nursing staff are aware of the decisions you have taken.
If you would like to see a member of the Diabetes Team during your admission please inform the nursing staff.
Useful website
NHS Website
Other information
Northampton General Hospital operates a smoke-free policy. This means that smoking is not allowed anywhere on the Trust site, this includes all buildings, grounds and car parks. Leaflets, information, advice and support on giving up smoking and on nicotine replacement therapy are available from the local Stop Smoking helpline on 0845 6013116, the free national helpline on 0300 123 1044, email: smokefree@nhft.nhs.uk and pharmacies.
Car parking at Northampton General Hospital is extremely limited and it is essential to arrive early, allowing ample time for parking. You may find it more convenient to be dropped off and collected.
This information can be provided in other languages and formats upon request including Braille, audio cassette and CD. Please contact (01604) 523442 or the Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) on (01604) 545784, email: ngh-tr.pals@nhs.net.
Last Update: March 2019
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