Elsa Redfearn

Elsa Redfearn is a Diabetes Specialist Nurse working across Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust.

Working across both secondary and community care gives her a broad perspective on the diabetes patient pathway and the delivery of diabetes technology services.

Her interest in diabetes technology began during her time in diabetes research nursing, where she witnessed first-hand the positive impact of insulin pump therapy on confidence, independence and quality of life. Inspired by these outcomes, she pursued a career in diabetes specialist nursing and remains passionate about helping people access the benefits of advanced diabetes technologies.

Elsa has a particular interest in insulin pump therapy and Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) systems and their role in improving outcomes for people living with diabetes. She was the clinical nurse lead for a project supporting a cohort of complex, high-risk individuals to transition to HCL therapy, which has since been adopted as standard care. She is currently preparing a manuscript evaluating outcomes from this cohort using the MiniMed 780G system.

In her community role, Elsa delivers the practical elements of POPPY (Practicalities of Pumps: Preparing You), supporting people with type 1 diabetes who are considering insulin pump and HCL therapy. She is particularly interested in exploring how advanced diabetes technologies can be delivered effectively and equitably within community diabetes services. 

A major focus of her practice is improving equitable access to diabetes technology for vulnerable populations, including people with learning disabilities, neurodiversity, complex mental health needs and limited health literacy. Her work includes supporting carers, families and support workers to facilitate safe and successful adoption of diabetes technology. Portuguese is her mother tongue, and she is also fluent in Spanish, regularly using her language skills to help overcome communication barriers and improve access to specialist diabetes care.