Job overview
We have a great opportunity for an enthusiastic individual interested in further developing their dietetic skills in an acute adult hospital setting. You will work in a busy acute hospital providing a specialist service to one of our defined rotational pathways: Surgery, Critical Care, Stroke and Frailty. The majority of treatment will be nutrition support, both oral and enteral with opportunities to be involved in parenteral nutrition.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:
- Provide a specialist Dietetic Therapy Service to patients of Southport & Ormskirk Hospital.
- Provide specialist expert clinical support to junior staff and students.
- Demonstrate by example advanced communication skills, motivating, developing, guiding and advancing dietetic skills required by the team to provide a high‑quality responsive dietetic service.
- Provide specialist assessment and management advice for patients whilst working closely with all members of the MDT.
- Accept clinical responsibility for and manage a caseload of complex cases using advanced knowledge, evidence‑based/client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions as required.
- Take part in the planning, development, delivery and evaluation of dietetic therapy services within the designated area, holding responsibility for defined projects, including the development of team outcome measures, risk assessment, documentation and operational policies in conjunction with the team leaders.
- Assist in meeting Trust Objectives and contribute to the clinical governance strategy.
Clinical & Professional responsibilities
- Calculate individual requirements for nutritionally at risk and compromised patients and advise on dietary manipulation and/or the prescription of nutritional supplements, enteral feeds and parenteral nutrition.
- Provide a dietetic service to designated in‑patient wards.
- Liaise with adult dietitians across the region and refer to other health professionals to ensure appropriate care pathways for patients seeking information outside your area of skills and knowledge.
- Advise Dietitians and Student Dietitians on the management of clinically demanding patients.
- Liaise with catering staff and advise on the provision of therapeutic diets.
- Be a member of multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences.
Administrative responsibilities
- Demonstrate skills of active listening and respond to verbal and non‑verbal cues of your patients, recognising and dealing with their concerns.
- Accurately record all assessments and interventions on dietetic records, and in relevant nursing and medical records.
- Lead and contribute to the production and evaluation of resources produced by the department such as diet sheets, information and training packs.
- Provide cover for leave and sickness to appropriate wards.
- Liaise with dietetic colleagues at other hospitals to ensure a seamless transfer of care.
Teaching & Training responsibilities
- Plan, organise, deliver and evaluate training for other health care staff such as health care assistants, doctors, nurses and catering staff and patient/carer groups appropriate to the specialist area.
- Take part in the appraisal process to identify needs for Continuing Professional Development, facilitate evidence‑based practice and keep updated on current trends.
- Disseminate information from training attended as required.
- Participate in the delivery of student placements and work experience programs, and act as a clinical teacher.
- Organise and lead training programmes for colleagues within dietetics on the specialist dietetic areas.
Line Management / Supervisory responsibilities
- Assist/deputise for the Team Leader including supervision of junior staff, students and assistants when required.
- Respond to national and local plans and strategies in dietetics, collecting, analysing and interpreting information and advising the team leader on future service direction.
- Ensure timely and accurate collection of statistics/records required nationally, maintaining confidentiality.
- Produce ad hoc reports and an annual report of activity and development of the specialist area for key stakeholders and line manager.
- Develop and implement local evidence‑based policies on matters relating to nutrition and dietetics in the specialist area.
- Represent the department at multidisciplinary meetings within the specialist area to advise on nutritional matters.
- Supervise other staff such as Dietetic Assistants and recognise/maintain stock levels of resources for own area of work.
Research & Audit
- Actively participate in the Departmental Governance/Quality Framework and undertake clinical audit and research, ensuring compliance with Trust Research governance procedures.
- Lead and contribute to the development of departmental/organisational procedures and guidelines.
- Ensure advice offered to patients is based on the best available clinical evidence.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent in Nutrition & Dietetics.
- Current HCPC registration as a Dietitian.
- Evidence of relevant post‑graduate courses/CPD in Nutrition Support (e.g., BDA Enteral & Parenteral Courses, PEN Group Clinical Update Course) in adults or paediatrics.
- Clinical Educators Course.
Experience
- Evidence of clinical experience as a Dietitian in an acute hospital NHS environment.
- Experience in Nutrition Support in the hospital setting.
- Experience of managing complex nutrition support patients including parenteral nutrition.
- Membership/participation of BDA Special Interest Groups.
Skills
- Excellent communication skills, ability to share information at MDT case conference, deal with conflict resolution.
- Ability to work autonomously independently and with MDT.
- Time, prioritisation and self‑management skills.
- Awareness of up‑to‑date NHS issues, Clinical Governance, and its application within dietetics.
- Ability to manage change in a flexible, diplomatic and positive manner.
- Maintain own clinical role and be aware of boundaries with other professionals.
- Wide range of good clinical reasoning skills, assessment and treatment skills, ability to problem solve and make decisions.
- Reflective practice and good personal development of self and others.
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and empathy in a variety of situations.
- Effective teaching and presentation skills.
Other
- A combination of sitting, standing, and walking at times carrying files, scales or small items.
- Ability to comply with travel requirements of post.
- Frequent requirement for concentration (e.g., undertaking calculations) where the work pattern is predictable with few competing demands for attention.
- Reliable, enthusiastic and caring.
- Frequent exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances in working with elderly, terminally ill and patients with special needs.
- Professional in appearance and conduct.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We actively cultivate a professional environment of fairness, equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and value the unique skills, perspective and experience you bring. We are grounded in the belief that diversity enhances our collective strength, fostering innovation and excellence within our workforce. We welcome all applications irrespective of people’s race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups.
Disability Confident
We commit to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job (the essential criteria) listed in the personal specification.
Veterans
We also commit to offering an interview to all armed forces veterans who meet the minimum criteria for the job (the essential criteria) listed in the personal specification.
Anonymous Shortlisting
The Trust operates anonymous shortlisting where no personal information about you, including your name or personal details, is shared with the recruiting manager.
Contact
For further information, please contact the recruitment team via the application system.
#J-18808-Ljbffr