Allied Health

Maggie Chown

Registered Nurse / Health Promotions

Maggie Chown has lived in the Riverland for 35 years. Maggie trained as a Registered Nurse at St Andrews Hospital completing her training in 1979. After this she went on to complete her midwifery training at Modbury hospital in 1981. Maggie has worked in the areas of midwifery, fertility clinic, family planning, community health and has been in general practice since 1990. Maggie joined the Berri medical Clinic in 2016 and is working in Chronic Disease Management. Her outside interests include family, travel and anything active such as gym, aquacise, walking, Parkrun.

Desiree Matthews
Registered Nurse / Credentialed Diabetes Educator

Desiree was born in the Riverland and continues to live here with her family. She completed a Bachelor of Nursing in 2009 and in 2013 did a Post Graduate Certificate in Diabetes both through Flinders University. Desiree has previously worked at The Riverland General Hospital and at St Catherine’s Nursing Home prior to working in the Berri Medical Clinic. Desiree has been with the clinic for 7 years as a Practice Nurse, and 4 years as a Credentialed Diabetes Educator. Desiree is passionate about both her roles. She enjoys working closely with her diabetes colleague and mentor Kristin Muller and all the team of dedicated health professionals in the clinic.

In her leisure time Desiree enjoys being out on the river with family and friends, socialising, going away on short breaks with her family in the camper and on nice days going for long walks with her dogs.

What is a certified diabetes educator (CDE)?

A certified diabetes educator (CDE) is a health professional that has studied diabetes education and care at the post graduate level and meets the professional requirements of the Australian Diabetes Education Association (ADEA). They work in partnership with GP’s, other members of the healthcare team and people with diabetes to achieve mutually agreed management goals.

Ongoing credentialing status is re-applied for every year.

A CDE is a provider of diabetes education recognized by Medicare and the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Who Can Be referred to a certified diabetes educator (CDE)?

Newly diagnosed patients with diabetes.
Existing patients with sub-optimal control and or risk factors for developing diabetes complications.
Patient’s commencing insulin therapy.
Pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes) or when pregnancy is being contemplated in pre-existing Type 1or Type 2 diabetics.
Patients lacking self-care knowledge.
Patients wanting updated information to assist them in managing their diabetes.
Patients with diabetes who have a GP Management Plan can access up to 5 visits to a CDE with an EPC referral. (See Chronic Disease Management Plans).