Registered dietitians (RDs) are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level. They work with both healthy and sick people. Uniquely, dietitians use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.
We are able to provide evidence based, unbiased advice and support on nutrition. Community dietitians usually see both children and adults. Dietetic assistants support registered dietitians in all aspects of the service. Dietetic assistants work under the supervision and guidance of a dietitian.
We work from clinics across Dorset, as well as providing 1-to-1 consultations in care/nursing homes and patients’ own homes. We also offer training to other health and social care staff. Our team covers Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Purbeck, Wimborne and East Dorset. The rest of the county is covered by the dietetic team based at Dorset County Hospital.
This service is available to children and adults, including those with special needs. If you, or your loved one, would like to access this service, please speak to your GP or other healthcare professional. You can also contact us direct for more information.
The dietetic department is committed to quality improvement. Regular audits are carried out such as record keeping. We participate in the Family & Friends Test and seek to make changes based on patient feedback.
Key information about this service
Any healthcare professional can refer to a dietitian. We have referral criteria for adults and children as a guide for the types of referrals we will accept. There is a separate referral form for adults and children.
After we have triaged and accepted the referral, the patient will be sent a list of our clinic venues. They should then ring to make an appointment at a clinic of their choice. We aim to see new patients within 18 weeks of referral.
First appointments are usually 30-45 minutes long and, if necessary, a 15-30 minutes follow-up appointment may be booked.
The dietitian will work with the patient/carer/family to agree dietary changes. We will write back to the referrer advising what has been agreed. Patients can receive a copy of these letters on request.
Please speak to your GP or healthcare professional if you would like to see a dietitian. If you meet our referral criteria they can refer you to our service.
We offer face-to-face consultations in a variety of locations across our patch.
We can also offer video consultations via Attend Anywhere or can also offer telephone consultations. These will be at a pre-booked time. Please ensure that we have your up-to-date email and telephone contact details.
Shelley Road - Boscombe
Wi-Fi: Yes
Parking: Yes
Disabled access: Yes
The British Dietetic Association has some useful information to help you manage your condition in the first instance, with its food facts and also some specific advice for ageing well.
LiveWell Dorset is a free service for adults across Dorset (including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) who would like to improve their health and wellbeing. Including the NHS 12-week weight loss plan.
Allergy UK: support, advice and information for those living with allergic disease
Moodjuice: NHS self-help site to help patients think about emotional problems, including around food, and work towards solving them
Spark People: Online diet and healthy living community
Allergyuk.org: providing support, advice and information for those living with allergic disease
Wls Info: information and support on Weight Loss Surgery
PINNT: Practical support for patients fed by a tube at home
Health Videos - useful short videos on malnutrition, dementia and healthy eating
Advice for parents
Child Feeding Guide: effective strategies and information to tackle fussy eating
Advice on how to weigh and measure your baby/young child accurately: Measure height Measure weight Measure length
Change4 Life: useful tips on managing your weight for you and your family with easy tips to help you eat well and move more
Wessex Healthier Together provides advice for parents, young people and pregnant women and clinical resources to support healthcare professionals on a range of topics including allergies and fussy eating.
Webinars
Dietitians in Somerset agreed to share a series of webinars with nutrition advice on a range of medical conditions that may help support changes you need to make, conditions covered include: IBS, COPD, coeliac disease, diabetes, diverticular disease, malnutrition, reflux, weight management and COVID-19 recovery.