Diabetes
The Bristol and Weston Paediatric Diabetes Service provides
diabetes care to children and young people in the South West. here
are approximately 500 children and young people who attend our
service, which makes us one of the biggest children's diabetes
teams in the country.
Our aim is to provide high quality seamless care for type 1 and
type 2 diabetes in children and young people. This involves
providing multidisciplinary team input and cutting edge information
on new therapies.
The team
Consultants
The consultants lead the diabetes team in the management of your
child's diabetes. All newly diagnosed children are admitted to
hospital for assessment and education on the management of
diabetes. Your consultant will discuss with you and decide on the
treatment plan for your child and the insulin regimen best suited
to their clinical condition and age. A consultant will meet your
child on the hospital ward and then in outpatient clinic a few
weeks later. After that clinic visits will be every three
months.
Paediatric diabetes specialist nurses
Paediatric diabetes specialist nurses (PDSNs) care for children
with diabetes and their families. A PDSN will visit you on the
hospital ward following your child's diagnosis and start the
education required for safe management of diabetes in the home.
Education continues in the community at home and visits are also
made to schools and playschools to educate all carers in the care
of a child with diabetes. View the teams
contact details.
Dietiticians
The dieticians provide advice on food choices, which is an
essential part of the management of diabetes, and ensure a child
has a balanced diet. A dietician will visit you and your child on
the hospital ward to assess their diet and advise on any
adjustments needed. They will then provide local ongoing support at
outpatient clinics and education sessions.
Clinical psychologists
We know that diabetes challenges many aspects of life for the
child and family in different ways and at differing points
throughout childhood and adolescence. This can lead to emotional
distress and place strain on the young person and family members.
It is important that children and families have access to
appropriate support in managing this. The clinical psychologist is
available to support you with a variety of issues and help minimise
distress from diagnosis onwards. Please discuss with a member of
the team if you would like help from the clinical psychologist or
alternatively contact psychological health services.
