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Imagine you’re a parent in Pictou County, Nova Scotia and your four-year-old child has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. As the doctor explains the diagnosis, a wave of worry washes over you but soon your focus shifts to supporting your child. You’re ready to do what’s needed to help them stay healthy and safe. You learn that you’ve been referred to the One Door Centre in New Glasgow for ongoing care and support.
First, you meet with Allison DeCoste, a registered nurse and diabetes educator . Allison goes over the fundamentals of diabetes. “We’re here to make this as straightforward as possible,” she said. “It’s about finding what works best for you and your family. We don’t want you to feel like you have to make your lives fit into diabetes care.”
Next, you meet Lisa Cook, a registered nurse who specializes in diabetes care and teaches people about insulin pumps. She explains how to take care of a young child with diabetes, including how to check their blood sugar, give insulin, and handle any changes in their levels. You feel a bit overwhelmed with all this new information, but before you leave, Lisa gives you her cell phone number and says, “If you ever need help after clinic hours, feel free to call me.” You take the number, feeling comforted by her offer of support, even though you hope you won’t need to use it.
As you begin preparing for a trip to the pharmacy to fill prescriptions, Lisa surprises you by introducing Leslie Bellefontaine, the clinic’s full-time pharmacist, who’s conveniently on site. As she discusses the different prescriptions and supplies you’ll need, you feel a worry creep in about how you will navigate this new normal. Leslie seems to pick up on this and kindly offers to connect you with the clinic’s social worker, who also works on site. “They can help connect you with financial assistance programs, community resources, and practical support.” Her reassurance gives you a bit of relief.
That night, you wake up at 3 a.m. to find your child’s blood sugar has dropped lower than you’re comfortable with, and you can’t seem to bring it up. Remembering that Lisa gave you her phone number, you decide to call. Despite the late hour, she answers and calmly guides you through each step. With the situation under control, you head back to bed. For the first time since the diagnosis, you feel hopeful that, in time, your family is going to be able to manage this new reality.
Comprehensive care with a whole-team approach
This scenario provides real-life examples of how the One Door Chronic Disease Management Centre supports families navigating chronic illness. The clinic provides comprehensive care for all types of diabetes, as well as for patients managing other chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular diseases. With a full range of support under one roof, including nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, and nurse practitioners, the clinic’s collaborative team approach reduces stress for patients and ensures they have the tools and support to thrive.
Lisa Cook, one of the diabetes educators, understands how overwhelming it can be to care for a child with diabetes, especially in the early days. "We want families to feel like they have somewhere to turn for help whenever they need it,” she said, explaining why the clinic has chosen to offer after-hours support to newly diagnosed families . “It’s a lot of information to take in at first, so we go on call for these families—sometimes even in the middle of the night. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to provide that level of support.”
Supporting type 2 diabetes and multiple chronic conditions
In addition to type 1 diabetes care, the One Door Centre’s team is dedicated to supporting patients managing type 2 and gestational diabetes. “There’s still very much a stigma with type 2 diabetes,” said Angela Childs, the centre’s clinical team lead and dietitian. “People think, ‘Oh, you didn’t eat well, that’s why you have this disease,’ which is not the case. Diabetes is much more complex than most people know and has many different contributing factors.” This misconception can leave patients feeling isolated, affecting their mental well-being and even their willingness to seek care. Recognizing these challenges, the One Door team has worked hard to create a nonjudgmental, compassionate environment. “We’re here to support every patient, wherever they’re starting from,” Angela explained, describing the team’s approach to building understanding and trust.
This collaborative structure also enables patients with multiple chronic conditions to receive comprehensive support in one place, an approach that’s particularly valuable for those without a regular primary care provider. “We’re trying to be almost like a one-stop shop,” Angela said. “Having our whole team here makes it so much easier for patients to get the care they need without juggling multiple appointments.”
Leslie Bellefontaine, the clinic’s pharmacist, also emphasized the benefits of having the entire team under one roof. “It’s really rewarding to make these adjustments to a patient’s care program in real time, right here with the whole team,” she said. “We can collaborate instantly to make sure everything—from medications to lifestyle guidance—is working together. The whole team is here to support the patient in a way that’s convenient and seamless for them.”
Collaborative care models like this are transformative; they offer patients continuity, comprehensive support, and a community that truly cares. By working together as one cohesive team, the One Door Centre is proving that health care is most effective when it’s not just about treating diseases—it’s about supporting people.
Learn more about the One Door Chronic Disease Management Centre in New Glasgow, NS, or explore other Diabetes centres across Nova Scotia. Access patient education resources on the Nova Scotia Health website for helpful tools and information related to Diabetes care and management.
In the photo: Staff at the One Door Chronic Disease Management Centre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Front row, from left: Madeline Laurin, registered dietitian; Laura Young, registered nurse; Jennifer Parnell, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator; Leslie Bellefontaine, pharmacist.
Back row, from left: Angela Childs, clinical team lead and certified diabetes educator; Allie DeCoste, registered nurse; Katy MacDonald, manager of the One Door Chronic Disease Management Centre; Lisa Cook, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator; Susan LeBlond, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator.
Not pictured: Pamela Palmer, nurse practitioner; Kelly Murray, nurse practitioner; Mel MacFarlane, registered dietitian; Jenine Bateman, social worker; Carol-Ann Parsons, wellness coordinator; Heather Humphries, wellness coordinator.