Enhanced Supportive Care Dietitian

at  University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Clinical To manage a specialist caseload of patients referred to the Enhanced Supportive Care service within the Trust and contributes to the multidisciplinary team. To act as a clinical resource, providing specialist knowledge to members of the dietetic department on Nutrition Support. To provide expert advice to patients on an inpatient or outpatient basis as required, and by telephone contact if appropriate to review management. To attend weekly MDT meetings.
Undertake nutritional assessment, dietary review (where appropriate) and design nutrition care plans taking into consideration anthropometry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and medical history. To provide a source of expert knowledge and advice on nutrition in palliative oncology, and review patients nutritional status and adapt care plans accordingly. To maintain accurate and timely dietetic record in the patient records in line with national and local record keeping standards. Monitor the delivery of services as advised by the Line Manager or Head of Department.
To work co-operatively with other professionals to ensure delivery of coordinated multidisciplinary service to patients requiring nutrition support. Maintain good communication with all agencies involved with patient care e.g. G.Ps, consultants, nurses, pharmacy, allied health professionals, catering etc. Communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise disease management.
To translate complex information into an appropriate format for patients and carers and to be sensitive to patients physical and emotional needs. To participate in the production and review of evidence based resources and ensure that they are produced in line with Trust Document Control Policy. Education and Training Organise, deliver and develop education and training programmes for patients, families/ carers, nurses, doctors, students and other MDT team members. Deliver formal and informal education sessions to groups as requested.
Participate in the training and supervision of student dietitians and medical students undertaking special study units in nutrition. Management To promote the role of the dietitian to other disciplines and client groups. Review current service delivery within this specialty. To participate in the education, training and clinical supervision of student dietitians.
To keep workload statistics as required by the Line Manager. Ensure that practice complies with the Health Professions Council Standards. To participate in the Trust Appraisal Scheme and to work to objectives set annually. To undertake statutory training as required by the Trust.
To undertake any duties requested by the Line Manager. Clinical Governance To undertake activities of clinical governance. To undertake audit and evaluation of clinical practice. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development by attending where possible relevant courses and study days, registering with relevant interests groups, and attending meetings.
To be up to date with current practice and research in gastroenterology/surgery/oncology and Nutrition Support, sharing knowledge with the department. To participate and contribute to the Nutrition and Dietetic Department Professional Development Programme. Communication and Working Relationships It is essential that the post holder can communicate with a wide range of personnel including: Department colleagues, student dietitians, local/regional dietitians, and occasionally other dietitians nationally. Medical, nursing, paramedical, catering and administration staff.
Patients, relatives, and carers - Receives information concerning patients history, sensitive issues, requires persuasive and reassurance skills. Gaining consent and understanding from patients or their family/carers of the treatment plans required. This will involve patients or family/carers who have complex emotional, physical and psychological problems Hotel Services Department. Community GPs, district nurses, nursing home staff.
External agencies e.g. primary care, education, social services. Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team. Supervision and mentoring of student and junior dietitians, participation in induction programmes, guiding practice and assessing competence.
All Job Holders are required to: Work to the Trust values - Put patients first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and improve. Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc. Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.
Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training. Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust.
Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post. Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk. Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families.
Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame. Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services. Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures. Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligation

Please refer the Job description for details