Notes for Nurses: managing Addison's & adrenal insufficiency

Following the publication of the 'NICE guidelines on the Identification and Management of Adrenal Insufficiency', our updated Nursing leaflets build on our previous publication and are aimed at advising nurses on how to manage Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency best.

As nursing roles vary in different settings, we offer two leaflets:

Notes for Ward Nurses

Notes for Primary Care and A&E Nurses

Notes for Ward Nurses

This leaflet has been authored by endocrine nursing specialist Lisa Shepherd alongside the ADSHG, and with review by our Clinical Advisory Panel. It is for you to take with you when you may, or know that you will, become an inpatient, to give to your nursing team.

It includes;

An introduction to Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency
Treatment of Addison's and adrenal insufficiency
Sick Day Rules
Adrenal crisis: signs, treatment
Inpatient care guidance
Guidance on the management of newly diagnosed patients
Pre-discharge checks

Download for free 'Notes for Ward Nurses'

Order from our online shop

Updated Feb 2025

Notes for Primary Care and A&E Nurses

This is for you to give to your GP nursing team and for you, or a carer or advocate, to take when you have to attend A&E, to give to the emergency nursing team.

It has been authored by endocrine nursing specialist, Lisa Shepherd, alongside the ADSHG, and with review by our Clinical Advisory Panel.

It includes:

An introduction to Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency
Treatment of Addison's and adrenal insufficiency
Sick Day Rules
Adrenal crisis: signs, treatment
Inpatient care guidance
Guidance on the management of newly diagnosed patients
Pre-discharge checks

Download for free: 'Notes for Primary Care and A&E Nurses'

Order from our online shop

Updated Feb 2025

Preparing for a hospital stay?

Looking for more information to support a hospital stay? Read our article: 'Preparing for a hospital stay when you have Addison's or adrenal insufficiency' to ensure you are informed and prepared.

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Latest

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Let your MP know how you feel about the discontinuation of the manufacture of liquid hydrocortisone in the UK. A template letter for you to fill out and post to your MP (or equivalent in the devolved nations), or to copy and paste into an email.
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Adrenal Insufficiency Action Plan and 3-month Prescription Request Letter

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ADSHG Posters

Help raise awareness of Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency by sharing our posters.
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An introduction to Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency, aimed at raising awareness in the general public.
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Download the CoMICs diagnosis of Addison's disease infographics and accompanying article "Think Addison's disease - save a life", as featured in the Guardian newspaper.
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A patient leaflet for people living with adrenal insufficiency who are thinking about fasting for Ramadan. It gives tips on reducing the risks of becoming ill if you decide to fast, when it's advisable not to fast and offers alternatives to those who are considered too high risk for fasting.

Sick Day Rules

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Adrenal crisis is a time-critical, life-threatening emergency and must be treated immediately. Read the guidance on treating a steroid-dependent patient in adrenal crisis.
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Find out more about Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency and and how they are treated.
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Why do people with Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency crave salty, acidic and sour foods at diagnosis, and then salt remains our “pick me up” when diagnosed? Professor Simon Pearce explains the connection between aldosterone, fludrocortisone and why you should always listen to your salt cravings.
Addison's & Adrenal Insufficiency: Advice for Dentists

Read our guidance for major and minor dental procedures. It is important to recognise the physical stress of any invasive dental procedure and to ensure that adequate glucocorticoid cover is provided for steroid-dependent patients.
Surgical Guidelines

The ADSHG surgical guidelines are intended for the information of your medical team or your dentist and have been developed by our Clinical Advisory Panel.
Updated NHS Steroid Card Released

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Coronavirus Vaccines and Adrenal Insufficiency

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Research Grants

One important strand of our work as a charity is our 'Advance' strand: funding, promoting and contributing to the development of new innovations and research to improve treatments and quality of life for members of the adrenal insufficiency community. Here we share the projects we are currently supporting thanks to the generosity of our donors, members and fundraisers. Read more