If you would like to see a Dietitian please discuss this with your consultant; GP or practice nurse; or health visitor, who will be able to refer you.
Once we have received a referral we can begin the process of arranging an appointment. When attending an appointment with a Dietitian it is usually helpful if you can bring the following:
- a diary of your food and drink intake
- list of medication
- dietary advice previously given
- blood sugar results if appropriate
- all test results available
Our clinics take place in a variety of locations. You will be informed regarding the location of your appointment. If you are unsure please contact the department on 01322 428439. If you are not able to leave your house to see the Dietitian, you will be referred to the Community Dietetic team for assessment and advice.
Some patients with mobility problems may be able to receive hospital transport. You should telephone the transport department (0800 096 0211) to discuss this with them. Your GP/Consultant/Nurse may already have told us you require hospital transport.
This will depend on whether this is the first time you have met the Dietitian and the reason for your referral. Your first appointment is likely to take 30 minutes and a follow-up appointment 15 minutes.
Yes, you may find this helpful.
On your first appointment the Dietitian will:
- Introduce themselves and welcome you
- Discuss the reason you have been referred
- Ask you questions about the types of foods you eat, how you cook your foods and when you eat
- May ask to measure your height and weight
- Agree to changes you may wish to make to meet your individual needs
- Provide you with written information
Your doctor will be informed of any dietary treatment recommended.
Sometimes there may be students present. The department is involved in the practical training of student Dietitian’s and the student may observe or carry out the consultation with you. However, you will be asked if you are happy for the student to be present / carry out the consultation and if you are not, they will be asked to leave.
If the Dietitian needs to see you again, they will agree this with you and explain how the follow up appointment is made and how long this will take.
If you cannot attend your appointment or if you no longer wish to see the Dietitian it is important that you contact the Dietetic Department (on 01322 428439 for both adults and children, or email: dgn-tr.dvhdietitians@nhs.net) as soon as possible, so that a further date can be arranged and your appointment offered to another patient.
If you no longer wish to see the Dietitian, you should ring the department on the above number as soon as possible, so that we can offer your appointment to someone else.
If you do not attend your appointment you will be discharged from the clinic and your doctor will be informed. A new referral will be required for a further appointment.