Ward staff (medical and nursing) commitment

All patients with diabetes on the ward will be identifiable to all ward staff by utilising the ‘Thinkglucose’ logo on the patient status at a glance boards
Initial, immediate and appropriate action will be taken for managing hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia before referring to the diabetes team
All patients’ feet will be assessed and results documented within 24 hours of admission for signs of foot disease and the patient will be referred for specialist assessment as appropriate
Safe practices for using insulin (in accordance with insulin guidelines) will be observed at all times
Bolus or pre-mixed insulins or oral diabetes medications will be given before or at mealtimes as recommended in the manufacturer guidance
Insulin will always be prescribed even when patients are self-administering
The self-administration of insulin will be supported where appropriate
Patients will be referred to the diabetes team for review as needed
Ward staff will be kept up to date with diabetes where necessary.

Diabetes inpatient team commitment

A diabetes patient review will be provided where indicated
Diabetes educational material will be provided for staff, patients, carers and relatives where necessary
A diabetes discharge plan will be provided where necessary
Learning from incidents related to diabetes will be disseminated
Re-admissions to the trust within 30 days due to uncontrolled diabetes will be reviewed and plans put in place with community providers to prevent further admissions.