According to Diabetes Australia, 280 Australians develop diabetes every day. That’s one person every five minutes. Diabetes is a complex condition that can cause serious complications such as blindness, amputations, heart disease and kidney disease. If you, or someone you care for are diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to understand the condition and seek support and advice to improve your quality of life.
What is the NDSS and how can Ramsay Pharmacy help?
We’re here to support you. As your local access point for the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS), your pharmacist will provide guidance on how to register for the Australian Government initiative. The government funded scheme ensures that most diabetes product supplies are more accessible and affordable. Where eligible, the following products can be secured via the NDSS from your local Ramsay Pharmacy to help you manage diabetes:
- blood glucose monitoring strips
- urine monitoring strips
- insulin pump consumables
- continuous and flash glucose monitoring products
- insulin syringes and pen needles.
To access products, you will need to show your NDSS registration number or Medicare card number. Ask for advice regarding quantities when ordering to avoid wastage, as products may carry a use by date. Not all NDSS products are available to all people with diabetes, and your Ramsay Pharmacist can guide you on which products you can access.
Our expertise lies in medication advice. To get the most from your medications, chat to your pharmacist about a Medication Check to review your medications, access advice on how they interact and learn more about the side affects you may be experiencing. Your Ramsay Pharmacist will provide valuable insights, education and medication recommendations to enhance your quality of life and better manage your diabetes. Free blood glucose (sugar) level tests are also available from your pharmacist.
It can be overwhelming managing multiple medications. Every year, around 650,000 Australians either present to a hospital emergency department or are admitted to hospital as a result of medication-related problems – and around half of these are preventable. Your Ramsay Pharmacist can help you with day-to-day management of your medicines by setting up a regular dose administration aid (e.g. Webster-Pak®), to help make sure the right medicines are taken at the right time. Home delivery is available at most pharmacies or easily reorder your prescriptions via our app.
Chat to your friendly Ramsay Pharmacist to find out more about all the ways we can help you manage your diabetes to improve your quality of life.
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