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Patient references

Posted By Skydiver.

"Patient references"

About: Fife Community Services / Diabetes Specialist Nurse service

(as the patient),

I have Diabetes and I have received a leaflet detailing possible side effects of a steroid injection. On paragraph 2, it refers to Diabetic control and it says 'Diabetic Patients'.

I thought the NHS had dispensed with referring to patients as a disease. For example, if I had Dementia, would they refer to me as a demented patient?

If I had Leprosy, would they refer to me as a leper?

If I was a Dwarfism patient, would they refer to me as a Dwarf?

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Responses

Response from Lynne O'Neill, Team Lead, Diabetes Specialist Nurse Service, Complex Care Team, NHS Fife 2 months ago
Lynne O'Neill
Team Lead, Diabetes Specialist Nurse Service, Complex Care Team,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 07/10/2025 at 14:58
Published on Care Opinion at 15:13

Dear Skydiver

I am sorry to hear that you have had an advice leaflet with outdated diabetes language on it which has caused you upset. The last thing that the Community Diabetes Nurse Service in Fife would want to cause offence.

The information we give out is as up to date as we can make it but we cannot always see what other areas give out to their patients. We do not give out steroid injection leaflets, but I would be keen to find out where you obtained this information from so we can look into updating it and the language used within in it.

I would be most appreciative if you could contact me on the Community Diabetes Nurse Service advice line on 01592 729458 and leave your contact details. I am keen to discuss your concern with you and review the document that had caused you distress.

Kind Regards

Lynne O'Neill

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