I want to highlight Dietitians Week in my latest blog because good nutrition and hydration are vital for the health, wellbeing and recovery of our patients. 

Research demonstrates how patients who are well nourished have better clinical outcomes and often a reduced length of stay.

All members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) at both The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust have a role in optimising good nutrition and hydration.

This is achieved by regular weighing and nutrition screening, timely swallow assessments, provision of nutritious meals and adequate hydration, as well as correct placement of nasogastric tubes to supporting patients with uninterrupted mealtimes.

The theme of this year’s Dietitians Week is celebrating the impact and value of dietitians. Our dietitians have a particular role to play as registered health professionals who assess, diagnose and treat nutritional problems.

Below are ways we are showcasing some of the different specialities that dietitians work in to show the vital contribution they make across many different specialisms and healthcare settings.

These range from:

• Paediatric dietitians ensuring the babies on our neonatal unit receive the right nutrition to grow and develop
• Gastroenterology dietitians working with patients to help manage their symptom through diet
• Renal dietitians educating and empowering dialysis patients to manage complex diets and fluid restrictions
• Oncology dietitians who work with patients to optimise their nutrition at all stages of their cancer journey
• Community dietitians working with patients with long-term conditions that mean they need to receive their nutrition via a feeding tube.

They are a vital part of the MDTs that care for our patients and make vital contributions to improving patient outcomes such as symptom control, improved quality of life, increased confidence in managing their health condition and prevention of post-operative complications.

To help raise awareness, there will be a stand by Greggs at New Cross Hospital at lunchtime on Wednesday and Thursday.

In addition, case studies will be shared on social media, with a ‘Twitter takeover’ of the Trusts accounts on Friday.

More about promoting our role this year’s theme can be found here: Dietitians Week 2022 | British Dietetic Association (BDA)

Do take a look at our promotion of the great work that dietitians do during the week.

Take care,

Ann-Marie