Senior Specialist Dietitian

at  Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Section 1- Main Responsibilities Clinical To undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients including those with diverse or complex presentations / multi-pathologies to identify their problems and needs and ensure that patient’s medical, biochemical, pharmacological, psychological, social environmental and cultural factors are taken into account. To competently carry out full consultations with patients to establish a complete clinical picture. To be able to undertake a wide range of nutrition assessment/body composition measurements and be able to train less senior staff to use these techniques. To be able to accurately calculate nutritional requirements for specialist disease states, and devise TPN regimens / enteral feeding regimens /dietary care plans to meet these requirements.
Using advanced clinical reasoning skills and assessment techniques: Identify the problem, interpret blood results, set appropriate treatment aims and objectives in negotiation with the patient and other members of the multidisciplinary team (where appropriate). Competently plan and carry out realistic programmes of treatment from a range of specialised therapeutic options including complex Enteral tube feeding regimens / TPN for each patient using evidence-based practice. Relate findings to presenting pathology. Alter dosage and timings of agreed specific prescribed drugs in consultation with the patients medical consultant, such as pancreatic enzymes, TPN etc.
To use a diverse range of communication strategies to ensure effective communication with patients who may have difficulties e.g., cognitive impairment, mental health problems, severe acute illness, unconscious, that may create a barrier to communication. To deal empathetically with patients who are facing long-term complications/the terminally ill. To give comprehensive advice to ensure patient’s understanding, co-operation, compliance, and consent. To facilitate safe and timely patient discharge and to determine outcome of the dietetic management of the patient.
To plan and prioritise own workload and assist less senior staff to organise their caseload within the specialist area. To co-ordinate the prioritisation of patients seen in own specialist area and the Acute site as a whole. To provide advice at an advanced level to patients, carers and other health and social care professionals. To communicate complex condition related information to clients, carers, other family members, members of the multidisciplinary team and other professions and agencies.
To monitor and review dietetic care plans within a specialist field against a diverse range of outcome measures and adjust care plans to facilitate achievement of goals. To organise and attend patient related meetings e.g., case conferences, Best Interest Meetings, safeguarding and discharge planning meetings and patient review meetings, ensuring effective communication of the patient’s dietetic needs thus ensuring a wellcoordinated and comprehensive care plan. To participate in emergency cover as required. To develop evidence based clinical protocols and pathways of care in conjunction with the multi - disciplinary team.To advise the Catering Manager on compiling menus and adding dietary codes for the Trust so that patients’ special dietary requirements are met.
Maintain professional competence and expertise, keeping up to date with current research, working practices and models of working. Work as a committed and effective member of the Acute Dietetic team and wider MDT Teams in order to maximize the potential of the service and profession. Engage with and attend 1-1, clinical supervision and other meetings as required. Observe and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures.
Comply with HCPC professional guidelines and Code of Practice Section 2- Knowledge and Skills To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of assessment and treatment in line with British Dietetic Association national standards and local policy. To be familiar with the Trust and Directorate organisational structure and lines of communication. Use a range of communication skills to establish a rapport, demonstrate empathy towards patients and carers and give effective advice to patients, staff and carers who maybe under stress or who have poor or limited understanding. To be able to use and move between appropriate forms of verbal and non-verbal communication with patients, carers and staff.
To be able to sensitively impart unwelcome news to patients and relatives e.g. permanent dietary change/tube feeding/inability to eat again/long term chronic disease. To communicate and negotiate with patients (some of whom may be in denial) to gain consent for treatment and to agree expected treatment outcomes. To contribute to the development of a range of evidence based and culturally appropriate educational resources e.g.
diet sheets and multi-disciplinary teaching aids. To communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with internal and external agencies, e.g. Consultants, GP’s, community staff, catering, nurses, Social Services and support services about patient care including professional clinical reports. To deal with initial complaints sensitively avoiding escalation where possible, seeking advice and referring to senior staff as required.
To work with link workers or interpreters as necessary during assessment and treatment to overcome barriers of communication. To maintain a calm, professional approach to their duties. To exhibit a committed attitude to all aspects of work. To undertake an individual comprehensive assessment of patients including those with diverse or complex presentations/multi-pathologies in order to identify their problems and needs and ensure that patient’s medical, biochemical, pharmacological, psychological, social and cultural factors are taken into account

Please refer the Job description for details