Dietetics

Welcome to the Children’s Dietetic Team

We pride ourselves on ensuring all dietary advice is tailored to each individual child, considering all aspects of their life when providing information and guidance.

We support children primarily across the Yorkshire and Humber region, although we do look after children who live further afield.

The Dietetic Team is made up of a Dietetic Manager, Dietitians, Dietetic Assistants, Special Feeds Unit staff and administrative support. We work across al Leeds Children’s Hospital sites.

Inpatients

On admission to Leeds Children’s Hospital, every child undergoes nutritional screening (assessment of height, weight, dietary intake and clinical condition) which helps to determine whether they need to be seen by a dietitian.

Illness can sometimes cause poor oral intake and an increased requirement for energy and nutrients. It is our job to maximise nutritional status to aid recovery and ensure optimal growth and development.

Outpatients

We hold dietetic outpatient clinics for children who need longer term dietary support. We also participate in specialist clinics alongside other members of the multidisciplinary team. Food allergies, feeding difficulties and certain medical conditions may require input from a dietitian who is able to specifically tailor a diet to the child’s individual lifestyle and clinical needs.

What We Do

What is a dietitian?

Dietitians use the most up to date research on food, health and disease and translate this into practical dietary advice. The term ‘dietitian’ is a protected title which means we are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council and we adhere to a professional code of conduct.

When children are referred we:

Assess the need for dietary intervention
Assess the patient’s growth and nutritional requirements
Ensure the patient’s prescribed diet or feed meets their current needs for growth and development
Translate these needs into advice that is understandable and practical and patients and families

There are many options for improving a child’s nutritional status that may include tube feeding, oral supplementation, dietary restriction and intravenous nutrition in the form of Parenteral Nutrition.

Why refer to the Dietetics Team?

Having a good nutritional status is important for all children, regardless of the type of medical condition they may have. It promotes health, growth and development, decreases susceptibility to infection and decreases the risk of complications in an ill infant or child.

Medical conditions can present barriers to a good nutritional status for a child, increasing their energy needs, hindering swallowing/eating abilities, impacting on appetite and food/feed tolerance.

As Dietitians we work with children and parents to formulate appropriate plans to improve the nutritional status of children, to have a positive impact on their overall health and wellbeing.

Where do we work?

Allergy
Cystic Fibrosis
Cardiology
Diabetes & Endocrine
Disordered eating
Gastroenterology
General Medical
Hepatology (liver)
Intestinal failure
Paediatric Intensive Care
Neonatal Care
Nephrology (kidney)
Neurology & Ketogenic diets
Oncology & Haematology
Respiratory
Surgery

Many of the above specialities are regional and supra-regional. We work closely with other professionals within these specialities and play an essential role within the multidisciplinary team. We also liaise closely with pharmacy and catering to ensure good nutritional provision for children while they are in hospital.