Nutrition and Dietetic Department

Weston Area Health Trust’s Nutrition and Dietetics Department is based at Weston General Hospital. The service consists of Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Assistants who work collaboratively with patients, healthcare staff and the general public to promote optimal health and wellbeing. The team provides expert, evidence based advice and person centered support in order to assist in the dietary management of medical conditions and the promotion of general good health. We cover areas including diabetes, gastroenterology, nutrition support, weight management, cancer, neurology and paediatrics.

Dietitians are the only qualified (BSc Hons in dietetics / postgraduate diploma / higher degree in dietetics) health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level. The title ‘Dietitian’ is protected by law, therefore only those registered with the statutory regulator, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) can use the title of Dietitian/Registered Dietitian. Uniquely, dietitians use the most up-to-date 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.

The Nutrition and Dietetics Department provides dietetic assessment and expertise for:

• Inpatients at Weston General Hospital where much of our work is helping people to meet their nutritional requirements in times of illness. Our support may include dietary alterations, the provision of specially designed supplement drinks or liquid tube feeds when someone is unable to eat food safely or in sufficient quantity.
• Outpatients at Weston General Hospital.
• Outpatient clinics at GP surgeries in 17 practices across North Somerset.
• Patient group sessions at Weston General Hospital and locations across North Somerset for conditions including Diabetes, Coeliac Disease, Cardiovascular Disease, Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy.
• Health and social care professionals at Weston General Hospital and across North Somerset.
• Collaborative work with others to assess and improve standards of nutritional care and provision at Weston General Hospital.

The department also provides practical training placements for dietetic students from the University of Plymouth.

Referrals

To see a Dietitian you will need to be referred by either a Hospital Consultant or your GP. If you attend an outpatient appointment, you are welcome to bring a relative or carer with you and you may find it helpful to prepare for your appointment by thinking about what you would like to discuss and any questions that you want answered.

Further Information 

• For more information about local nutrition and dietetic services please contact Sian Russell, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics on the above phone number or by email to sian.russell@nhs.net
• British Dietetic Association: https://www.bda.uk.com/

Dormers Building

Weston General Hospital

Grange Road

Uphill

Weston-super-Mare

North Somerset

BS23 4TQ