Other than having a new home, it’s business as usual at Orillia’s Adult Diabetes Education Centre.
The centre, run by Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, moved from 1080 Mississaga St. W. to 25 Museum Dr. — the Leacock Care Centre — earlier this month.
“Improving access for patients with related services into one location, and enhancing the overall patient experience, are the primary drivers behind the move,” said hospital spokesperson Terry Dyni. “The relocation of this service aligns strongly with the work of the Couchiching Ontario Health Team (OHT) and the development of a centre for chronic disease management.”
He noted the hospital’s Heart Function Clinic and the Senior Geriatric Outreach Team are also operating out of the new Adult Diabetes Education Centre location.
“The concept of an integrated specialty services hub associated with the acute care component is a future vision for our hospital and referenced in our Future Hospital planning,” he said. “Co-locating chronic disease specialty services within this future vision will allow for better care integration across OHT partners, and a better patient experience.”
The move has not resulted in any staffing changes. The centre still employs more than a dozen people, including registered nurses, registered dietitians and clerks.
The centre’s services will also remain the same.
Dyni noted the centre sees about 10,000 patient visits per year, and that is expected to continue at the new location. Patients can be referred to the centre by a physician or they can self-refer.
It’s unclear what will happen with the centre’s former space. Dyni said the hospital is “reviewing options.”
He thanked the community for their understanding during the transition.
More information about the Adult Diabetes Education Centre can be found here.
