Improved facility supports the growing number of children and teens with diabetes

BOSTON, Mass. – June 23, 2010 – Joslin Diabetes Center is opening an expanded version of its pediatric clinic, with enhancements that allow more optimal multi-disciplinary care for children, teens and young adults with diabetes and their families.

“With this new facility, we can provide more comfort and support to children and families,” said Lori Laffel, M.D., M.P.H., Chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology. “This will permit easier interactions between our team members, and improve the utilization of our space to meet the needs of the growing numbers of children and young people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.” 

“The renovated space will support the needs of patients and families attending Joslin’s outpatient program for children and teens newly diagnosed with diabetes,” she added.

In addition to a general upgrade of the facility, the renovation reconfigures the clinic space more efficiently to feature an enhanced reception area, an improved space in which child life specialists can meet with and educate children, an added exam room, a bathroom allowing handicapped access and a Joslin Vision Network room in which children can receive eye exams as part of their regular visits. 

“We’re extraordinarily grateful to the remarkable generosity of a Boston-based foundation, which provided funding for this improvement,” Dr. Laffel emphasized.

Joslin’s Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Program is New England’s largest, most comprehensive program for the care of children, teens and young adults with diabetes and their families. Joslin is a leader in clinical research for this population, conducting studies of youth with diabetes to assess new technologies and therapies and to design and implement educational programs and behavioral interventions for preventing complications and improving health outcomes.