Diabetes
We provide clinical advice and services to patients suffering with Diabetes and Endocrine disorders.
The medical team offers full Consultant assessment and periodic review for outpatients as well as review and management advice during inpatient episodes.
The Specialist Nursing Service has two key elements: the management of in-patients and support for patients attending Consultant-led diabetes clinics.
For patients managed by the community Diabetes Specialist Nurses, referrals are now dealt with via East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH). They can be contacted via East Coast Community Access (ECCA) on 01493 809977.
For in-patients, referrals can be made by any of the staff looking after these individuals, though there should be good clinical reasons underpinning the referral.
The team has an established insulin pump service, with designated numbers of pump users.
What services are provided?
- Queries relating to inpatient insulin doses and diabetic medication
- Outpatient follow up referral
- Dose adjustment
- Insulin initiation
- Diabetic education including blood glucose monitoring where individuals have Type 1 diabetes.
- Medical Student teaching
- Nursing induction and mandatory training
- Education for clinical staff in the hospital
How can I get a referral?
Patients can be referred by GPs and Practice Nurses via the national NHS electronic referral system.
Key information to include with the referral:
- blood glucose levels
- HbA1c; eGFR (within the last 12 weeks)
- current therapy
- relevant medical history
- purpose and objective of the referral
- any indicative social history
How can I contact the department?
Non-Urgent Enquiries: Answerphone: (01493) 453373
Email: DSN@jpaget.nhs.uk
We will endeavour to respond to messages and emails within 48 hours, though this is not always possible due to ward priorities.
Urgent Enquiries: Switchboard: (01493) 452452
A diabetes nurse is available between 09:00 – 10:00 Monday – Friday
Perioperative Diabetes Specialist Nurse for Surgery
Kim Howson
Email: SurgicalDSN@jpaget.nhs.uk
Phone: 01493 453082
Useful information
Below you will find a number of information leaflets that may be of interest or of use. This includes 'Keeping well while you wait for your operation'. Developed by GIRFT, this guide is to support the health and wellbeing of people with diabetes as they await surgery.
Key staff

Diabetes Specialist Nurses:
Rachel Ruddick
Emma Gough
Joana Roriz
Cassie Pembroke
Kim Howson (Diabetes & Surgery)
Ana Da Silva
Lucy Youngman
Diabetes Nurse Administrator
Laura Tovell
Non-urgent enquiries
Answer phone - 01493 453373
Email - DSN@jpaget.nhs.uk
Urgent enquiries
Switchboard - 01493 452452
A diabetes nurse is available between 9am and 10am Monday to Friday.