Lakeridge Health consolidates diabetes clinics by month's end
Ajax and Bowmanville locations closing; services moving to integrated clinic at Whitby hospital.
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Lakeridge Health is closing its diabetes clinics in Ajax and Bowmanville, consolidating services at a single location in Whitby by the end of June.
The hospital network in Durham Region framed the consolidation as an "enhancement" rather than a service reduction. Lakeridge spokesperson Sharon Navarro confirmed the move in a statement, saying the hospital is not scaling down its Diabetes Education Program, which serves more than 5,500 people across the region.
The transition began as early as June 17 and will be completed by June 30. According to the hospital, the consolidation will create an "integrated diabetes and renal clinic" at the Whitby site, since approximately 50 percent of people living with diabetes eventually develop kidney disease or are already living with a renal condition. Locating these services together with Lakeridge's existing renal program is intended to improve care coordination for patients with complex needs.
The majority of patients currently conduct their sessions in-person. Lakeridge said all affected individuals have been contacted directly by phone, and written communications are being sent. Volunteers will also be stationed at the Ajax and Bowmanville hospitals to assist anyone who arrives at the former clinics once they're closed.