Louise give us an insight into the work of the dietetics team and her journey to CUH.
During a career break after having my child, I considered my onward options; I decided dietetics would very much combine my interests in food, health and science.
I was particularly interested in the University of Hertfordshire’s degree programme, as it was local to me, it is a 3 year course, instead of 4 years, and also has an excellent reputation for dietetics.
To gain a place on this course I completed the foundation year “extended degree in science” at North Herts College.
This initial year was quite competitive in terms of dietetics as our average grades had to remain high throughout and top grades were required in modules such as chemistry and physiology, and we also had to pass the interview stage.
The Dietetics Bsc (Hons) course included fundamental subjects such as biochemistry and metabolism, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology with varied teaching methods such as practical laboratory sessions, tutorials and seminars.
We also had practical work based placements that provided an insight into the role and invaluable experience.
The university provided excellent support to those with child care needs, and ensured timetables and placements were practically viable.
My first dietetic role was in the private sector, I delivered part of Apple’s staff health care package within their UK & Ireland offices. We provided one to one intensive sessions & dietetic advice in regards to lipid lowering, weight loss and other dietary issues.
To broaden my experience as a newly qualified dietitian I also started to provide locum dietetic services through an agency to NHS departments.
This role provided me with experience in many different areas and settings; I visited different hospitals, care homes and also provided domiciliary visits.
During this time is when I had my first exposure to working within paediatrics while helping to provide general paediatric dietetic support to GP surgery’s and child centres.
My first Addenbrooke’s role was as a Band 5 within the oncology team, an area of dietetics I had been interested in since my initial training.
Working within the adult oncology MDT I provided nutritional support advice to oncology patients. This included practical food based solutions to ensure good nutrition while patients were of low appetite, low energy and suffering with side effects of treatments and when necessary provide oral nutritional supplements. Those unable to take in sufficient nutrition orally are then supported with enteral tube feeding.
Uniquely due to extra training, I was able to train patients on tube care, delivery of feed via pumps and set up home enteral feeding systems along with providing the individual feeding regimens.
Working with oncology patients and their families brought many challenges but also great reward.
Four years ago I made the decision to interview for a position in the paediatric team here. After gaining the position I completed the comprehensive in house training and tutorial package which then underpinned my 1st general role within the team. I then moved over to paediatric surgery where I worked alongside a highly experienced specialist surgical dietitian.
Now, finally, I have very much settled in to the role of Specialist Paediatric Intensive Care Dietitian. I work within the PICU MDT and provide enteral and parenteral dietetic support to all patients within the unit, provide staff training in nutrition, complete audit work and we as a team are also involved in research.