Northern Trust support ‘Trust A Dietitian’ week

The Northern Trust is raising awareness among patients and other healthcare professionals of the role of the dietitian as part of ‘Trust a Dietitian’ week (9-13 June).

The campaign is taking place regionally to help raise understanding of the role of a dietitian and the many ways they can help patients to regain control of their lives.

The Trust is taking part in a launch event at Stormont and locally, awareness stands are being organised in both Antrim Area and Causeway Hospitals. As well as providing information and advice, patients and other healthcare professionals have been encouraged to detail how dietitians have helped or assisted them.

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Dietitians are very often referred to as the Gold standard when it comes to nutrition and food professionals. Olympic Rowers, Richard and Peter Chambers have supported the campaign stating that they Trust a Dietitian “because they helped me achieve an Olympic performance” and “helped me to fuel appropriately so as to optimize sports performance.”

Staff members working in the field of dietetics will also be presented during the week with a “making a difference” award. The awards will recognise one admin staff member, one dietetic support worker and two professional members of staff who have been nominated for their dedication and commitment in their role. Supported by Nutricia they will win a continuous professional development donation to help them further increase their skills and knowledge.

Jill Curry, Dietetic Services Manager for the Northern Trust, said: “Often Dietitians may only be thought of as providing help to people needing to lose weight but we help people with a variety of conditions including those with debilitating or long term conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease, diabetes, and renal disease. This involves providing education and support for people of all ages from infants right up to our frail elderly.

This week is about helping people to understand how we can help them and to support and recognise those working in the area who do all they can to ensure patients get the correct advice and support they require.”

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Dietitians are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level. They are the only nutrition professionals to be statutorily regulated, and governed by an ethical code, to ensure that work is to the highest standard.

Further information on how to access NHSCT dietetic services may be obtained via the Trust website www.northerntrust.hscni.net.