The Diabetic Foot Centre: a multi-disciplinary approach to treating diabetes Amputations have been reduced by 48 percent since July 2008

THE Diabetic Foot Centre of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was established in July 2008 to provide foot screening, treat diabetic foot complications, and minimise amputations in diabetic patients.

Comprising two dressing rooms, a consultation area, receptionist area, and seating area for patients, the centre, which opens for business from 8am to 3pm from Monday to Friday, has managed to minimize amputations by 48 percent.

Operating under the umbrella of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the Diabetic Foot Centre is managed by a trained team headed by Dr. Kumar Sukhraj and comprising four nurses and a clerk.

Dr. Sukhraj told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday during a visit that the Diabetic Foot Centre has adopted a multi-disciplinary approach in treating patients with diabetic foot complications.

Dr. Sukhraj, Joanne Blenman and Melinda Thomas of the Diabetic Foot Centre have received specialized training in wound care from the University of Toronto (Canada); and their work is also backed up by a team of other professional surgeons, physiotherapists, social workers, a dietician, and internal medicine doctors among other personnel, who can be consulted if the need arises.

Dr. Sukhraj said the centre accommodates a minimum of 40 patients daily, hence he concludes that diabetics are not caring for their feet as they should.

Most diabetic patients seen by the centre suffer from chronic ulcers, ingrown toenails, and necrotic digits (blackened toes).

He explained that diabetic patients have decreased blood flow and less sensation in their legs; as such, they should desist from walking around bare-footed, both when indoors and outdoors. He also encouraged all diabetics to visit the Diabetic Foot Centre to get the care they need, and they would be able to communicate any possible problems they are having.

Dr. Sukhraj appealed to diabetics to examine their feet daily, and once they observe discolouration, ingrown toenails, ulcers or anything unusual, they should not hesitate to visit the Diabetic Foot Centre.

He also urged diabetics to control their blood sugar levels by taking their medications, consuming diabetic meals, exercising regularly, and having regular check-ups.

Since establishment of the Diabetic Foot Centre, Dr. Sukhraj told the Guyana Chronicle, based on feedbacks from patients, the centre has distinguished itself for having a patient-friendly environment and for being a centre of excellence.

He explained that all diabetic patients are treated with respect and care. If a patient needs to be admitted to a ward, that is done directly from the centre.

Dr. Sukhraj said, “We take into consideration our patient as a whole, and not just the hole (ulcer) on the patient. Thus we ensure that the biological, physiological and social aspects of our patients are met.”

He noted that diabetic patients are free to telephone the Diabetic Foot Centre on 227-8241 for any advice they seek or concerns they may have; or they may visit the Centre at the earliest opportunity, once a foot condition is recognized; since limbs are important for our daily lives.

Dr. Sukhraj also placed emphasis on the need for diabetics to take the necessary precautions to prevent foot complications. He is pleased when parents are adherent to treatment and there outcomes are excellent.

Michel Outridge photo saved in a file in Graphics as Diabetic.

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