Nutrition and Dietetics

Yeovil District Hospital is committed to the importance of good nutrition for patient wellbeing and for aiding recovery from illness.

The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics has facilitated the implementation of a nutrition screening tool to help identify patients at risk or suffering from malnutrition, and continues to support and train other healthcare professionals in helping to improve this very important part of patient care.

In addition, the team work with the Catering Department to ensure there is a varied patient choice at mealtimes, which meets most people’s nutritional and dietary requirements.

The department has dietitians providing services to a range of specialties, including nutritional support, gastroenterology, diabetes, paediatrics, critical care and stroke care. We are committed to the ongoing professional development of ourselves and others, taking part in local, national and hospital-based audit programmes.

An important area of our work is education and training, to both other healthcare professionals (many of which are open to community and nursing home staff) and patient groups – such as cardiac, stroke rehabilitation and diabetes education programmes.

The Dietetics Team at Yeovil District Hospital provide a service from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The department has an answer phone in operation for out of hours.

What is a Dietitian?

Dietitians are the only legally registered nutrition professionals. They are qualified to a degree standard and are registered with the Health Professions Council (www.hpc.uk.org). They are governed by an ethical code to ensure that they always work to the highest standard.

Nutrition has been proven to play a key role in the prevention and treatment of disease. Dietitians aim to prevent or treat ill health by translating their expert knowledge of nutrition into practical dietary advice. The dietitian is part of a multi-professional team of specialists who treat patients. A consultation with a Dietitian is confidential, impartial and tailored to the individual.

Why do I need to see a Dietitian?

You need to be referred to a Dietitian if you have difficulties eating and/or drinking to maintain optimal health. Patients admitted to Yeovil District Hospital are assessed using a Malnutrition Screening Tool. (MUST) This assessment gives an indication of their level of nourishment. From this tool, patients at risk will be identified and referred to see a Dietitian. 

Who can be referred?

We accept referrals from medical and nursing staff for any adult patients identified at risk of malnutrition by using MUST. Examples of other conditions that should be referred to a Dietitian for specialist assessment advice include:

• Newly diagnosed diabetes
• Newly diagnosed Coeliac disease
• Oesophageal stents
• Head and neck cancer
• Pre or post major GI surgery
• Any chronic condition requiring dietarymodification
• Stroke patients and those with Dysphagia
• Crohns
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) 

Paediatric patients are referred by paediatricians, other hospital consultants, nursing staff and allied health professionals. Examples of conditions that should be referred include:

• Nutrition support
• Diabetes
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Faltering Growth in Infants/ChildrenAllergies
• Intolerances and IBD

For many patients in Somerset, Dietitians can be accessed in the community by a referral from their GP. They will then be seen by a Dietitian in their own surgery.

For further information please contact 01935 384688.

Contact details:

Nutrition and Dietetics Department
Level 4
Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Higher Kingston
Yeovil
BA21 4AT

Outpatient Appointments

Our Dietitians hold several outpatient clinics. Please contact us (details above), if you cannot attend and arrange an alternative appointment.