Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP) – Diabetes

Our HARP diabetes clinic provides one-on-one appointments for clients over the age of 16 years with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. We offer in-person consultations as well as video calls.

We can help with all aspects of diabetes management and care such as medication, technology and devices, healthy eating and carbohydrate counting.

The Diabetes service at Northern Health provides specialised care for both outpatient and hospitalised patients with diabetes living in the Northern region of Melbourne.

Our inpatient diabetes services provide consultations, support and treatment advice on hospitalised patients to promote safe and optimal management of their diabetes during their hospital stay. We will work with the patient and their carers or family to ensure a safe transition back to the community at the time of discharge.

Our outpatient diabetes services including the Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP) diabetes service, provide specialist treatment, care planning, education and support to help people manage their diabetes independently and reduce the risk of hospital admission.

What to expect from the service?

When you attend a HARP diabetes appointment, you may be seen by one or more diabetes team members who may include the diabetes doctor (Endocrinologist), Nurse Practitioner Diabetes, Diabetes Nurse Educator, Dietitian, Podiatrist or other allied health members.

Together, you will develop an individual care plan to help manage your health goals, which may include medication, lifestyle management, and skills to help you manage your diabetes. We strive to collaborate with clients, providing relevant support for self-management and education that guides individuals in looking after all aspects of their diabetes.

Interpreters are available in most languages at Northern Health. We will do our best to ensure an interpreter is available for your appointment.

Participants need a referral from their GP or Family Doctor to access this service. The GP will send the referral to the hospital. Once we receive the referral, we will send the participant a letter with an appointment. There is currently 6-12 weeks wait for the first appointment with a Diabetes Nurse Educator.

The Northern Health Diabetes Service follows the Department of Health statewide referral criteria for Endocrinology (Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes).

Statewide Referral Criteria

These referral criteria have been developed to improve access to specialist clinics in public hospitals by improving the quality and appropriateness of referrals.