Specialist Oncology Dietitian

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To support the band 7 dietitian in a clinical area, and be responsible for own caseload. Toplan, organise and prioritise patient related and professional demands. To nutritionally assess oncology patients using the interpretation and evaluation of anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and dietary data, whilst considering the patients social and ethnic circumstances, prognosis and treatment. To convey complex specialised dietary advice and life style changes to patients and carers using advanced counselling and communication skills.

To diagnose malnutrition and/or risk of Refeeding Syndrome and to liaise with the appropriate consultant with an aim of optimising treatment outcome by recommending the appropriate method of nutrition intervention. To attend appropriate ward rounds and multidisciplinary meetings in order to provide expert advice to clinicians regarding provision of nutritional support for oncology patients and carers based on clinical evidence. To communicate/ liaise with nursing staff, AHPs, catering and other health care professionals on steps required implementing patients dietary prescription. To prescribe the appropriate dietary regimen for clients using evidence-based practice and to manage, monitor and reevaluate the treatment plan as necessary.

To initiate, facilitate and coordinate the setting up of a home enteral feed to ensure a safe discharge. To refer patients to primary, secondary or alternative tertiary care for monitoring and therapeutic support following transfer or discharge. To work with the catering department to ensure suitable meal provision to meet the special needs of the oncology patient in line with national standards. To write, deliver and evaluate internal and external education and training sessions on nutrition and specialist dietetics in relation to oncology to medical staff, nursing staff, AHPs, dietitians, other health care professionals, patients and carers.

To act as a clinical educator by participating in the ABC model of student dietetic placements. To take an active role in the research, development, implementation and audit of departmental resources such as diet sheets, policies and standards and to ensure they remain in line with evidence-based practice including Standards of proficiency: Dietitians, The National Dietetic Standards, and Code of Professional Conduct. To take an active role in the research, development, implementation and audit of evidence-based trust wide nutrition strategies and standards with medical staff, nursing staff, pharmacy and other AHP colleagues to promote safe effective practices of nutrition support. To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up to date documentation on individual patients in line with local and national standards and be responsible for the appropriate storage of d with the Health Care Professions Council (H.C.P.C) and trust policy on confidentiality.

To record and submit patient data and statistics as required by the manager and provide information for annual reports and service planning. To be responsible for the ordering, delivery and monitoring of specialist prescribable nutritional supplements for individual client needs. To attend and participate in departmental, professional update meetings and trust nutrition related meetings leading them when required. To be responsible for own clinical professional development (CPD) to maintain competency and to ensure best practice.