Implementing the Integrated Hypoglycaemic Pathway

The Health Innovation Network and London Ambulance Service (LAS) NHS Trust worked in partnership to develop and implement an improved referral pathway for people requiring LAS assistance for a hypoglycaemic episode, who are not conveyed to hospital following treatment at the scene.

LAS attends approximately 20,000 diabetic emergencies per year. This represents a significant number of patients and highlights significant issues in the care and management of diabetes. Hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic events are serious diabetic emergencies and may result in long term complications. Hypoglycaemia is a major cause of morbidity, often requiring third party involvement, emergency department attendances and hospitalisation. The cost to the individual is hard to capture and may include economic, psychosocial and in some cases significant health implications.

Contact Aileen Jackson for more information at aileen.jackson@nhs.net