Diabetes education

Diabetes education gives you the knowledge, skills, and support for effective self-management and wellbeing

What we do

Helping people gain the knowledge and ability to live with diabetes and be as healthy as possible.

Who is a Diabetes Educator?

A Diabetes Educator is a specially trained nurse or other health professional (eg dietitian, podiatrist) who has qualifications, experience, and advanced knowledge in the care of people with Diabetes and those at risk of developing Diabetes.

Who can see a Diabetes Educator?

Any person with the following:

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Pre-Diabetes
Impaired Glucose tolerance
Impaired Fasting Glycaemia
Diabetes in pregnancy - Gestational Diabetes
Needing support with Continuous and Flash Glucose monitoring and Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion technologies
Experiencing unstable blood glucose levels
Changes in medications or beginning injections

Questions about Diabetes Education

Diabetes self-management programs at both Wonthaggi and Phillip Island campuses for people with:

Type 1 Diabetes
Management of insulin pump therapy
Newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Pre-Diabetes
Ongoing education and support for people with Diabetes and/or their partners/carers
Diabetes support group/s contacts and information for all ages
Telephone advice
Speaking to community groups
Referral to dietitians for individualised support with weight reduction

When you are newly diagnosed with Diabetes
Have been diagnosed with Diabetes and have not seen a Diabetes Educator for more than a year
Need or want any further information about Diabetes
Change in treatment and/or unexpected problems

How to access this service

Referral to this service can be made by your general practitioner (GP), another medical specialist or a healthcare professional.

Referrals can be made via the telephone, email or post as follows.

Phone: (03) 5671 3175
Email: access@basscoasthealth.com.au
Address: Access Team
P.O. Box 120, Wonthaggi, Vic, 3995

MR-307 Self Referral Form

715KB pdf

What to bring

Every time you come:

Medicare card
Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
Medicines you need to take while you are here
List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed

For a clinic appointment:

Your appointment letter
Any special items listed on your letter
TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)

Bringing these items helps us give you the best care possible and ensures your visit goes smoothly.

If you have diabetes:

Copies of latest blood tests
Your blood glucose meter
Your blood glucose diary/record book
List of current medication
Your favourite hypo food
Something to do, like a book, magazine or an iPad/tablet with headphones
Your diabetes medicines

More information

Any adult or carer over the age of 18 with Type 1 or Type 2 can self-refer or be referred by their doctor for an appointment.

Where: Wonthaggi Hospital
When: Monday to Friday 9:00am — 5:00pm
Phone: (03) 5671 3920
Email: access@basscoasthealth.org.au

Where: Phillip Island Community Hospital
When: Monday to Friday 9:00am — 5:00pm
Phone: (03) 5951 2100
Email: access@basscoasthealth.org.au

If urgent, copy your email to diabetes.education@basscoasthealth.org.au