Thursday, 07 May 2009 00:20
Sutter Amador Hospital
Amador County – An outpatient program at Sutter Amador Hospital in Jackson received national recognition recently for educating patients about diabetes. The Outpatient Diabetes Education Program at Sutter Amador Hospital was recently awarded continued recognition from the American Diabetes Association. Jody Boetzer of Sutter Amador Hospital said the program was originally recognized in May 2000, and it offers high-quality diabetes education services to patients from Amador County and surrounding areas. She said such programs apply for ADA recognition voluntarily, and the “ADA Education Recognition Certification assures that education programs, like the one at Sutter Amador Hospital, have met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs.” SAH’s program director, Dr. Geraldine O’Shea said: “Through our diabetes education program, patients with diabetes are taught the skills they need to manage their own diabetes.” She said “because we are recognized by (ADA), patients and providers can be confident knowing they are being cared for by professionals who have met and comply with National Standards.” Kim Vagt, director of the program and Food and Nutrition Services said: “Assuring high-quality education for patient self-care is one of the primary goals of our program. With the knowledge, expertise, and commitment of our diabetes educators, patients are increasing their knowledge and awareness of diabetes allowing them to assume a major part of the responsibility for their diabetes management.” Patients from both Amador and Calaveras counties can take advantage of SAH’s ADA-recognized diabetes program by being referred by their health care provider. A monthly diabetes support group, which meets the fourth Thursday of each month at the hospital, is also available and is offered free to all members of the community. The program offers the newest up-to-date information on how to manage diabetes. For more information, call (209) 223-7448.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.