A new care centre for people with diabetes has been opened in north Dublin.

The centre, set up by Diabetes Ireland, the national patient support organisation, provides chiropody, podiatry and dietetic services on-site as well as access to the organisation's other information and support services.

The services are provided either free of charge or at a low subsidised fee rate*.

According to Diabetes Ireland, having diabetes is complex and demands that people have fast access to the services they require. There is a considerable waiting time for these services in the public health sector and Diabetes Ireland is trying to meet the needs of the local diabetes community by providing these services in its new centre.

The chiropody and podiatry service at the not-for-profit care centre provides clients with a full diabetic foot screen and assessment; foot and nail care advice and education and an assessment for diabetes-friendly footwear.

The dietetic service offers advice and support in controlling diabetes with diet and exercise and weight- management advice. The centre also acts as the local hub for the HSE's National Diabetic Eye Screening programme.

Professor Hilary Hoey, Consultant Endocrinologist and Chairperson of Diabetes Ireland said: "This is an innovative approach where we have combined our existing information and support services with access to professional healthcare services. The majority of our services are free of charge but people do pay a subsidised fee for the healthcare professional-led appointment services."

"Rapid access and early intervention is key to identifying problems early, and if we can prevent these problems occurring in just one person each week, it will be worth it. We hope this is the first of further centres nationwide" said Kieran O'Leary, CEO of Diabetes Ireland.

The Centre is also a resource for people seeking support and information on the many facets of diabetes, especially for people newly-diagnosed who may be waiting on their first hospital appointment and for those living with the condition for years who may need some additional support to manage their condition more effectively.

The Diabetes Care Centre is situated at 19 Northwood House, Northwood Business Campus, Santry, Dublin 9.

To book an appointment or for further information, ring lo-call 1850 909 909 or visit www.diabetes.ie.

* The subsidised fees for healthcare professional led services are:

Podiatrist €45* (First appointment) €35 (Follow-up)

Dietitian €80 (First appointment) €35 (Follow-up)

Other services are free of charge.

(First appointment fee includes free annual membership of Diabetes Ireland.)