What does the hospital diabetic clinic do for you?

The work of a district's diabetic clinic was audited to assess workload; it focused on patients' reasons for attendance, outcome of their appointment and recording of specified parameters in the notes.

Results highlighted the failings of a clinic organised on traditional lines. Most appointments (70%) were for routine follow‐up, all patients were given another appointment and, for at least 27%, this was the only action undertaken. The clinic performed poorly in routine screening and was ineffective, particularly in relationship to skills and services available in primary care.