Dietetic services

Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public-health level. Dietitians use the most up to date scientific and public health research on food, health and disease to provide practical guidance for people, enabling them to make the most appropriate nutrition and lifestyle choices.

Registered Dietitians employed by the Northern Trust will have completed an approved and recognised qualification in Nutrition and Dietetics and are registered to practice with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Registrations may be checked on www.hpc-uk.org.

Dietitians often work as members of multi-disciplinary teams, across hospital and community sites to help adults and children with conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Food allergy
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Coeliac disease and bowel disorders
• Eating disorders
• Malnutrition
• Faltering growth
• Feeding problems
• Overweight and obesity
• Cancer

Dietitians are also based in or work with multidisciplinary teams including Intensive Care, Neonatal Ward, Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment, Learning Disability, Home from Hospital, Community Rehabilitation, Prescribing Support Team and the Condition Management Programme.

The Health Improvement Dietitians and Cook It! Team promote healthy eating advice throughout all stages of the life-cycle and in turn helping to prevent diet-related diseases through their training and education programmes.

Referral process

In hospital, patients may be referred to the Dietitian by the Doctors, Nursing Staff or other healthcare professional for dietary assessment and advice, depending on their condition and nutritional needs.

In the community, patients may be referred to the service by a healthcare professional, including the GP, Consultant, Community Nursing and other Allied Health Professional. As soon as an appointment is available, the patient will be sent a letter inviting them to contact the service to arrange a convenient appointment time.

For more information and contact details for the Health Improvement Dietitians (Adult and Paediatric) and Cook It!