To take the lead role and responsibility to provide a comprehensive Nutrition and Dietetic Service to the Endocrinology services at the North Middlesex University Hospital Site. This includes inpatient and outpatient services including the Diabetes Centre. To take the lead role for the development and provision of education programmes for patients and staff within and out-with the Trust, including structured education programmes, to develop diabetes education resources, carbohydrate counting, and insulin pump training. In conjunction with the Head of Nutrition and Dietetics to be responsible for co-ordinating, designing, implementing of and evaluating the adult diabetes dietetic service. This includes developing and updating policies and procedures. To provide expert opinion, advice and guidance to colleagues within the Diabetes service, Therapy Services and other health professionals, both Trust wide and regionally. To take the lead role for the development and provision of education programmes for patients and staff within and out-with the Trust. To lead on and regularly participate in research and audit within the Diabetes and the wider Dietetic Service. To participate and contribute to student training, Multidisciplinary team working.
To provide autonomous diabetes care for patients with Diabetes using advanced clinical skills and knowledge of diabetes across our inpatient services, urgent and emergency departments.
To lead and autonomously manage a caseload of patients with Diabetes, who have multiple and complex needs including complex Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, ante-natal, renal and CGM/pump/HCL therapy within the inpatient and outpatient Diabetes service.
To take responsibility for own evidence-based practice and implement and add to the body of knowledge that supports expert practice within Diabetes.
To lead and innovate diabetes related specialist practice, both within the Trust and through local networks.
To develop diabetes guidelines, protocols and policies for the Trust
To develop all staff within the multidisciplinary team, providing support, advice, formal and informal education.
To actively contribute to and participate in the delivery of Trust-wide multi disciplinary mandatory training and teaching.
To provide specialist advice to inpatient diabetes service by receiving direct referrals from members of other multi-disciplinary teams
To work flexibly in response to service needs, to provide cover to all trust sites as required
To provide World Class Care in line with Royal Free Values and behaviours.
Joining the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust offers an exciting opportunity to become part of one of the UK's leading teaching and research organisations. The adult diabetes service is recognised for delivering high-quality, multidisciplinary care to people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including specialist clinics in diabetes technology, antenatal diabetes, renal diabetes and diabetic foot care. Working alongside experienced consultants, diabetes specialist nurses, dietitians, podiatrists, psychologists and pharmacists, you will contribute to innovative, evidence-based care while benefiting from excellent opportunities for professional development, research, education and service improvement. At the Royal Free, collaboration, continuous learning and person-centred care are at the heart of everything we do, making it an inspiring environment for clinicians who are passionate about improving outcomes for people living with diabetes.
The post holder will lead and develop the adult diabetes dietetic service, providing highly specialised nutritional assessment, treatment and management for adults with diabetes across inpatient and outpatient settings. They will act as the clinical expert for diabetes nutrition, ensuring the delivery of evidence-based, patient-centred care whilst contributing to the strategic development of the service.
Key responsibilities include:
Clinical Leadership
Lead the provision of a specialist dietetic service for adults with diabetes across acute and outpatient services.
Manage a highly complex clinical caseload, prioritising referrals according to clinical need.
Undertake comprehensive nutritional assessments using clinical history, anthropometry, biochemical data, pharmacology, medical investigations and psychosocial factors.
Develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based nutritional treatment plans for patients with diabetes and associated endocrine conditions.
Provide specialist advice regarding diabetes management, carbohydrate counting, insulin adjustment, diabetes technology and nutritional support.
Assess, prescribe and monitor nutritional supplements and Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBS) products where appropriate.
Support the management of patients requiring enteral and parenteral nutrition in collaboration with the multidisciplinary nutrition team.
Participate in multidisciplinary ward rounds, outpatient clinics and specialist meetings.
Contribute to safe discharge planning and continuity of care through effective liaison with community services and primary care.
Expert Practice and Service Development
Act as the clinical expert for diabetes nutrition across the Trust.
Develop, implement and review clinical pathways, guidelines, protocols and policies in line with national guidance, including NICE, JBDS, BDA and other professional standards.
Lead service improvement initiatives to enhance patient care, clinical outcomes and service efficiency.
Identify gaps in service provision and contribute to business cases supporting service development.
Evaluate and develop patient information resources to ensure they are evidence-based, accessible and culturally appropriate.
Promote person-centred care and support patients in developing self-management skills.
Communication and Multidisciplinary Working
Work collaboratively with consultants, specialist nurses, pharmacists, therapists, catering services, primary care and community providers.
Communicate highly complex clinical information to patients, carers and healthcare professionals in a manner appropriate to individual needs.
Support patients with significant barriers to communication, learning, cognition or behaviour using advanced communication and motivational interviewing techniques.
Act as an advocate for patients and contribute specialist advice during multidisciplinary discussions involving complex ethical and clinical decision-making.
Challenge poor clinical practice where appropriate and contribute to improving standards of care.
Education and Training
Lead the development and delivery of structured diabetes education programmes for patients and healthcare professionals.
Deliver education relating to carbohydrate counting, insulin management, diabetes technologies, healthy eating and lifestyle management.
Develop and deliver teaching programmes for dietitians, medical staff, nurses, allied health professionals and other healthcare workers.
Supervise, mentor and assess student dietitians during clinical placements.
Provide clinical supervision, mentoring and appraisal support for junior dietetic staff.
Leadership and Management
Provide day-to-day clinical leadership for the diabetes dietetic service.
Support workforce planning, service delivery and prioritisation of clinical activity.
Contribute to recruitment, induction, supervision and retention of staff.
Ensure appropriate clinical cover during periods of annual leave, sickness and service pressures.
Participate in departmental, Trust and regional meetings representing the dietetic service.
Work collaboratively with senior managers to develop and improve diabetes services.
Research, Audit and Quality Improvement
Lead and participate in clinical audit, quality improvement projects and research within diabetes and nutrition services.
Collect, analyse and present clinical data to demonstrate service performance and patient outcomes.
Implement changes to practice based on audit findings, emerging evidence and national guidance.
Maintain accurate clinical records and activity data using Trust electronic systems.
Professional Responsibilities
Maintain HCPC registration and comply with the Code of Conduct, professional standards and Trust policies.
Participate in appraisal, mandatory training and continuing professional development.
Maintain an up-to-date CPD portfolio.
Ensure clinical documentation meets professional and legal standards.
Obtain valid consent before assessment and treatment.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with information governance requirements.
Financial and Resource Management
Manage specialist nutritional resources and equipment safely and effectively.
Monitor stock levels and contribute to cost-effective purchasing.
Ensure appropriate use and maintenance of clinical equipment and patient education resources.
General Responsibilities
Participate in seven-day service provision and provide cross-cover for other specialist areas as required.
Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.
Comply with Trust policies relating to safeguarding, infection prevention, health and safety, risk management and clinical governance.
Undertake any additional duties commensurate with the grade of the post and in line with service requirements.
