Department of Nutrition and Dietetics

What happens during an appointment?

If you are an inpatient and seen in hospital

• The dietitian will see you at your bedside and explain the reason for your referral, and any changes needed to your diet. The appropriate special diet and nutritional supplements (if required) will be organised by the dietitian
• The dietitian will let you know if you need another review. This review may be carried out by a dietetic assistant, who will monitor your progress and liaise with your dietitian.
• Prior to your discharge if you still require a special diet you will be given advice for home. If you need follow up after discharge the dietitian will either arrange follow up at the hospital outpatient clinic, arrange a telephone review or refer you to the community dietitians.

If you have been referred for an outpatient appointment

• You will be sent a letter inviting you to call to arrange an appointment. Alternatively,  you will be sent a letter with an appointment date or time. If you are unable to attend please call as soon as convenient so we can reschedule this.
• We will be as flexible as possible, however the location of outpatient clinic where you will be seen will depend on where you live, who has referred you and the type of specialist clinic required. You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to an appointment to support you.

What will happen when I see the dietitian?

It is important for the dietitian to get a full picture of what you eat and drink in order to give the best advice.

• The dietitian may ask you questions about what you eat and how much you eat, eating/meal/snack patterns, portion sizes.
• The dietitian will discuss your diet with you and how changing your diet may help and will then help you to identify specific changes in your current diet.
• We encourage you to ask questions and make suggestions. You will usually be weighed and your height may be measured. Changes in your weight may be used to monitor your progress with the diet.