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Moving Home....any Advice Please?

M

malhotrn

Member
Messages
24
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
We are moving to Colchester in Essex. My son is 19 and has Type 1 Diabetes and is on Omnipod pump. I am really worried about his pump funding as he is an active sportsman and really likes the Omnipod. He is very sincere and dedicated and has managed to keep his HBA1C b/w 5.6 -5.9 in the last 3 years....also thanks to this forum as we have learnt a lot from the useful posts and advice here. I have enquired and Ypsomed told me that Colchester General hospital deals with Omnipod pump. However, everything seems so uncertain and I am not sure what to expect and who to contact for any advice on this matter? I am told that he will be put under NEEDS. Has anyone moved home with a pump? How was the experience? How long does it take for the pump funding to be transferred? What happens to the supply of pods in the meantime? Is anyone on Omnipod from Colchester? Can we change GP but remain with the same hospital in Birmingham? Sorry for posting so many questions but I am really anxious as I want everything to be fine for my son. Any advice will be most helpful as he does not want to change his pump. Thanks a lot!
 

Hello there Malhotrn - I can't answer your questions about pump funding, although there have been other with similar concerns post on the forum, and I don't recall things going very badly for anyone.

As regards which clinic/hospital your son uses, he/you can choose any hospital, even out of area, although I would be thinking carefully about the impact of travelling to appointments, etc. Whichever way you do it, it's several hours each way, and as someone who did that commute (not every day, thankfully!!), it can be a nightmare, whether by road or rail.

In your shoes, I could see the argument for staying with Birmingham until you are settled in your new area, but longer than that could be impractical.

I'm sure others will be along with more info in due course.
 

Thanks so much for your prompt reply.
 
No advice on moving wit a pump, but be aware that many health care proffessionals automatically assume many hypo's with a beautifully non-diabetic haba1c like your sons. Be prepared to prove he's not having dangerous hypo's all the time, especially if you're not using a CGM.
 
Hi @malhotrn From what I know from meeting other pump users moving areas isn't a problem and it shouldn't be, he already has the pump so it's a simple transition of funding from one CCG to another, just ensure you have back up supplies before you move and get straight in touch with his new team once you've moved to ensure continuity. Good luck with the move.
 
Thank you for your reply..Yes, I privately fund the Libre for my son, which has helped a lot!
 

Thanks so much for your reply! That's a big relief to know as I was really worried if he can still keep his pump. However, I have 2 more questions....1) he wants to keep his Omnipod. Do you think it will be better if he stays with the current hospital even after we have moved home? Although it will be a bit of travel but if it ensures he can remain on the same pump then i can definitely ask for this. Alternatively, who do I have to contact in Colchester to ensure that he can still keep Omnipod as his pump? Will it be the GP or his new hospital? Is there a way of finding out now?
2) Who do I contact for back up supplies of pods...is it the GP or his DSN as we get the supplies every 3-4 months normally, which may not last during the move. Thanks once again, and I look forward to your advice.
 
Hello @malhotrn Its safe to say he has his pump and no one is going to take this off him, it’s a prescription item so if prescribed another trust cannot remove his pump access unless replacing it with like for like, so it shouldn’t be an issue changing hospitals so it’s best to move hospitals too when you move. I obviously cannot comment on how one hospital compares to another as each hospital will be completely different and I appreciate it’s a step into the unknown but approach this with an open mind and be receptive to differences in processes and management. Under the circumstances contact the manufacturer who sends the supplies and check if you can order surplus to see you through the changeover period.
 

Many thanks for all your help! I truly appreciate.
 
I would suggest asking the current consultant to write a medical summary including details of the hardware used. Bat eyelashes and request a script that will get at least a months (better 2) goodies to cover the move and getting appt in the new system. Ask if current diabetes specialist nurse can give you contact details for his / her counterpart in Essex...or plug you in to new system. Best of luck, I hope it goes well.
 

Thanks so much for this useful advice. I will surely contact his consultant and DSN.
 
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