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Dietetics - Adult Inpatients & Outpatient Clinics | Waitematā
Public Service, Allied Health, Dietitian
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Description
What is a Dietitian?
Dietitians are registered health practitioners who evaluate scientific evidence about food and nutrition, and translate it into practical strategies. New Zealand dietitians work in partnership with individuals, whānau, communities and populations, in states of health and disease, to support optimal health and well-being.
Dietitians use their dietetic knowledge, skill and judgement in a variety of contexts, which includes promoting and protecting public health, directing and delivering medical nutrition therapy services, and managing food and health systems.
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand - Waitematā dietitians are part of multidisciplinary teams within Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā and work with adults and children, alongside their family/ whānau/ caregivers, who require nutrition input related to medical and surgical treatments and/ or management of chronic conditions.
What will the Dietitian do?
The dietitian will ask lots of questions to help fully assess a person's nutritional needs in the context of the presenting concern/condition, as well as a holistic overview that includes the person as a whole. They will make specific recommendations as part of the person’s treatment plan. The dietitian will work with the person and their family to achieve their goals and offer nutrition education and follow up care as required.
Adult Inpatient Services
Inpatient dietitians see people who require nutrition input while they are admitted to North Shore and Waitakere hospitals or the Mason Clinic. There are a number of reasons a person may be referred to the dietitian including unintentional weight loss or malnutrition, chronic wounds, tube feeding, liver failure, and gastrointestinal surgery.
Adult Outpatient Services
Some people require ongoing nutrition input either in the community or after they are discharged from hospital. One or more clinic appointments with the dietitian may be appropriate. A variety of clinics are offered, including the following specialist areas: gastrointestinal issues, allergies, intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease, malnutrition, general weight management (please note a Health at Every Size approach with behaviour modification for positive relationships with food is offered via group sessions), bariatric surgery (via Surgical Services Bariatric Service for weight loss), general surgery, and renal. Clinics are available at North Shore and Waitakere hospitals, and Hibiscus Coast Community Centre. Appointments may be conducted in-person or using Telehealth such as videoconference call or telephone.
Your GP can refer you to a dietetic outpatient service for advice about the following:
- Malnutrition or high risk of malnutrition
- Gastrointestinal disorders including newly diagnosed eosinophilic oesophagitis
- Weight concern
- Maternity - please note high BMI referrals will be invited to our Eating for Your Health group sessions
- Diabetes - these referrals should be directed via the Diabetes Service
Renal Outpatient Clinic – Please note: GP Referrals are not accepted to this service
If a person has kidney disease they may be referred to a renal dietitian who works as part of the Renal Team. The person will be seen in an outpatient clinic or on the haemodialysis unit at North Shore or Waitakere hospitals. We aim to link our clinic appointments with the renal doctors when able. People will also be followed up routinely on peritoneal dialysis.
Food can play an important role in keeping healthy when you have kidney disease. There is not one renal diet for everyone. The dietitian will assess the person's needs and provide them with specific information as required.
Note: For further information about:
- Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā Dietetic - Adult Community Services please click here.
- Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā Dietetic - Paediatric Services, please click here.
- Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā - Diabetes Services, please click here.
Referral Expectations
Adult Inpatient Services
Referrals can come from a nurse, doctor or allied health Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā staff member. Referrals are prioritised and responded to according to our guidelines. The dietitian will aim to acknowledge referrals within 24 hours of receipt.
Outpatient Service - Clinics and/or Group Education
Referrals are accepted from all health professionals within Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā, and doctors and dietitians from other Districts. Your GP can also refer you to a dietetic outpatient clinic for advice about the following:
- Malnutrition or high risk of malnutrition
- Gastrointestinal disorders including newly diagnosed Eosinophilic oesophagitis
- Weight concern
- Maternity
- Diabetes: All people with Type 1 diabetes, and some people with Type 2 and gestational diabetes, may see a diabetes dietitian for specialised advice. People with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes are able to be seen by the Diabetes Service. Please refer to the Diabetes Referral process on Healthpoint for further information click here
Please note that referrals are triaged based on the quality of information included. Detail regarding percentage weight loss over specific timeframes will enable more appropriate prioritisation for high risk patients. Waiting times may vary - expect to wait at least three - six months for a non-urgent referral.
We do not accept referrals from private specialists - please use a private dietitian.
Nutrition and Dietetic Outpatient Services do not accept referrals for the following health conditions:
- Eating disorders – refer to Auckland Regional Eating disorder service
- Palliative care patients who are end-stage
- Anyone requiring diabetes education and management unless attendance at the Eating For Your Health group sessions is the referral reason
- Paediatrics - please send these referrals to Child Women and Health Services
- HTN/lipid management/fatty liver (eating for your health group only)
- Gout
- Gallstones
- Diverticulitis unless recurrent episodes requiring admissions
Renal Outpatient Clinics
Referrals are accepted from all health professionals within Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā and doctors and dietitians from other Districts. GP referrals are not accepted to this service.
The patient must give their consent to attend an outpatient clinic for follow-up. If you require a translator, please request this in advance of your appointment date. Referrals are only accepted for people who are under the care of the renal doctors. If a person is not under their care they first need to be referred to the renal doctors.
Fees and Charges Description
Charges will apply for outpatient appointments with the dietitian if the patient does not have NZ citizenship, as per Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā protocol.
Hours
Mon – Fri | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
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Parking
Parking is available on both North Shore and Waitakere Hospital sites for any dietitian clinic appointments. Please follow the weblinks below for further details.
North Shore Hospital: http://www.waitematadhb.govt.nz/patients-visitors/finding-your-way/parking/
Waitakere Hospital: http://www.waitematadhb.govt.nz/patients-visitors/finding-your-way/parking/
Website
Contact Details
North Shore Hospital
North Auckland
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This page was last updated at 12:46PM on November 21, 2023. This information is reviewed and edited by Dietetics - Adult Inpatients & Outpatient Clinics | Waitematā.