Northern Diabetes Health Network

Description

The Northern Diabetes Health Network NDHN is an evolving health care organization committed to enhancing diabetes services for people in Ontario

This organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care offers a broad range of diabetes specialty programs to meet the needs of people in communities of northern Ontario as well as specialized programs focusing on children and young people in selected communities across the province

The work of the NDHN is supported by evidence shown in important studies from around the world that people who access diabetes specialty programs for education and care in self management have lower risks of diabetesrelated problems

In the pursuit of excellence in diabetes care the NDHN continues to work with programs other related health and community groups as well as with the Ontario Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care for the goal of enhancing services to improve the lives of people with diabetes Highlights of current and past research and projects are featured on this website

Organizational Design

The Northern Diabetes Health Networks design based on regionalization of health care delivery ensures optimal service and care is provided by all NDHN funded diabetes programs within its two networks Communitybased host agencies are contracted by the NDHN to provide a quality diabetes program within their area through a proposal planning and evaluation process

The NDHNs framework involves two main components

System Health to improve consumer access to coordinated and quality diabetes services through resource allocation and supporting programs for effectiveefficient utilization Health professional and provider education direct and indirect program support and coordination at the individual program regional and provincial levels identification of gaps and implementation of strategies to enhance services are integral elements of the NDHNs operations

Client Community Health to improve the health status of citizens by creating partnerships with community agencies to establish a designated multidisciplinary team of community based diabetes member programs who will educate and care for people and families living with diabetes deliver a variety of individual and group diabetes services facilitate care closer to home provide diabetes services that are culturally sensitive establish Community Program Advisory Committees to seek guidance advice and feedback from stakeholders and collaborate with community agencies and groups