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Why Choose a Dietitian?

What is the difference between a Dietitian and a nutritionist?

A Dietitian is the only qualified health professional who assesses, diagnoses and treats diet and nutrition problems. Dietitians are degree-qualified, and are registered with the “Health and Care Professions Council” (HCPC), which means that they are the only nutritional professionals to be regulated by law and governed by an ethical code. This ensures that they always work to the highest standard. The title ‘Dietitian’ is a protected title, meaning that only Dietitians registered with the HCPC are allowed to use the title. Dietitians are experienced in translating nutrition science into understandable, practical information about food, allowing people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices. The HCPC also requires Dietitians to follow very high standards around communication, record keeping and keeping up to date with continuing professional development. Click here to check if your Dietitian is registered with the HCPC.

A nutritionist is not regulated in the same way as a Dietitian. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, meaning it is really important that you check the qualifications of a nutritionist if you are planning to use one. The British Dietetic Association has recently published a guide to help you distinguish between Dietitians, nutritionists, nutritional therapists and diets experts. The British Dietetic Association has also recently launched a new campaign called ‘Trust a Dietitian’, highlighting the value and work of Dietitians in the UK.

Why choose a Dietitian?

‘Dietitian’ is a protected title, meaning that only Dietitians registered with the Health and Care Professions Council are allowed to use the title. This means that by choosing a Dietitian, you will receive a quality service and can be assured of exceptional standards of advice and care.

About Me

I graduated from the University of Southampton in 2003, with a first class honours degree in Physiology with Nutrition. I went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics in Cardiff, leading to State Registration as a Dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council. I am also a member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA). Since qualifying as a Dietitian in 2005, I have worked in various roles within the NHS, before setting up my own private practice in 2013. I have gained experience in a very wide range of dietetics and conditions, including weight management, diabetes, allergy and intolerance, malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies.

In the last three years, I have specialised in the following areas:

Infant & toddler nutrition (including infant feeding, weaning, healthy eating and childhood obesity)
Health Promotion — working with local organisations to promote healthy eating and optimum nutrition, resource development and training
Nutritional support, including building up advice, effective use of nutritional supplementation and artificial feeding (e.g. PEG and nasogastric (NG) feeding)
Providing bespoke training courses and workshops
Sports nutrition (more recently)

Since qualifying, I have undertaken a number of training courses, including 'Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)', which is an initial teaching qualification, Paediatric Dietetics Module 1 and a Postgraduate Certificate in Sports Nutrition with Distinction (2015). As well as seeing patients privately, I have a growing portfolio of project work. I am currently a consultant Dietitian for a local Council on a project to improve nutrition and healthy eating for Early Years settings. I write articles for the British Heart Foundation, and also various websites. I am also a consultant Dietitian for Slim & Save, supporting clients on maintaining their weight after completing the diet. For your peace of mind, I have an Enhanced DSB Certificate. I am also a busy mum of three and enjoy the challenge of balancing my work and home life. The children provide lots of opportunities to practice my own advice, such as managing child and infant nutrition, including weaning and healthy eating!