What is A Dietitian?

Dietitians (also known as Clinical Nutritionists) are qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level. Dietitians use public health and scientific research on food, health and disease, which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.
Dietitians work in the health service in acute and primary care, in private practice, industry, education, research, sport, media, NGOs (non governmental organisations) and government. Their advice influences government food and health policy.
To work as a Dietitian in Ireland, you must hold a university degree in Nutrition and Dietetics or an equivalent qualification.
All dietitians working at Naas General Hospital are eligible for membership of the I.N.D.I. (Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute), the recognised professional body for Dietitians/ Clinical Nutritionists working in Ireland. We adopt a multidisciplinary approach, working closely with medical, nursing and allied health professionals.

Dietitians/Clinical Nutritionists

Assess individual nutritional status and determine nutritional requirements. We plan our care to meet nutrition needs, and we design and monitor suitable feeding regimens for patients requiring nutritional support, i.e. Enteral Tube feeding (into the gastrointestinal tract) or Parenteral Nutrition feeding (into the bloodstream). Education and resources are provided for patients and carers regarding nutrition support or dietary interventions appropriate to their needs and lifestyle.

The department is also involved in staff education within the hospital

Dietitians provide advice/education and inpatient clinical support in areas such as the following:

• Nutrition support post surgery e.g. Nutrition and Stoma Care, Critical Care Nutrition
• Gastrointestinal disorders e.g. Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Coeliac Disease
• Nutrition in Cancer
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Swallowing Difficulties
• Cardio Protective dietary advice
• Risk Modification for Heart Disease and Stroke
• Diabetes (type 1 & 2)
• Weight Reduction and Weight Management
• Preparing patients for Home Tube Feeding. This involves family and patient training, organising funding, and training in the use of necessary equipment.

Outpatient Service Provision

• The department provides group and individual consultations.
• Once-only group sessions are provided for those requiring education on High Fibre diets, or Cardio-protective (Heart Healthy) dietary advice.
• The department also runs a weight management programme, which usually comprises a 1.5hr hour session weekly over a 5 week period.
• You may be invited to attend a group session, however if you prefer to have an individual consultation, please contact the department secretary.
• The Department cannot accept referrals from GPs, as our service covers only those patients who are currently attending a consultant at Naas General Hospital.
• Individuals not under the care of Naas General Hospital may access the community dietetic service via their GP.
• The Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute also has a list of dietitians working in private practice http://www.indi.ie/index.php?page=9
• NGH dietetic service operates a waiting list for outpatient appointments.
• On discharge patients on home feeding who can attend the outpatient department can be reviewed by our service, otherwise their care reverts to their GP and/or the community dietetic service, where one exists.
• If you are coming to see the dietitian at Naas General Hospital please remember the following:

-Bring a recent list of medications

-Bring any recent diet sheets/information you have received from your dietitian. (Your dietitian will then update or amend it as appropriate)

-If you have Diabetes, bring your glucometer and monitoring book

-Either place on ‘silent mode’ or turn off your mobile phone during the consultation.

• All those who receive appointments also receive a reminder letter or text 2 weeks in advance of the appointment.
• Allow at least 30 minutes for your first appointment, typically a review is 15 minutes but is occasionally longer.

If unable to attend a clinic or group appointment

• The department has a significant waiting list for outpatient appointments, and every appointment missed is a waste of scarce hospital resources.
• Most patients attend their outpatient appointment as scheduled, however if for some reason you are unable to attend please inform us as soon as possible so that your appointment can be rescheduled and the slot offered to another patient.

Location

Outpatient Rooms are located on level 2 (ground floor) of the hospital.
On entering through the main door of the new hospital take a right to the level 2 out patient department just past the café.
Turn left at the OPD reception desk. The office is just past the first set of double doors, on the left hand side and has a blue ’Dietitian’ sign above the door. Please knock on door on your arrival and take a seat.

Useful Links

Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute, www.indi.ie
British Dietetic Association, www.bda.uk.com
Department of Health and Children, www.healthpromotion.ie
American Dietetic Association, www.eatright.org
Irish Heart Foundation, www.irishheart.ie
Diabetes Federation of Ireland, www.Diabetes.ie
Irish Kidney Association http://www.ika.ie
Irish Cancer Society http://www.irishcancer.ie
Body Mass Index Calculator, www.halls.md/body-mass-index/av.htm
Coeliac Society of Ireland http://www.coeliac.ie
Irish Health http://www.irishhealth.com
Food Safety Promotion Board http://www.safefoodonline.com & www.safefood.eu