Welsh dietitian wins award for helping dialysis patients eat a better diet
Harriet Williams, area head of dietetics, and the Renal Dietetic and Social work team at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have won a major UK award for their project to teach people with chronic kidney disease how to cook food appropriate for their condition.
Harriet and her team is the winner of the Chroma Award for realising potential through creativity, part of the prestigious Advancing Healthcare awards programme. The judges said: “The cost effectiveness of this project was clear and it significantly improved patient experience.”
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing dialysis often report feelings of disempowerment, loneliness and social isolation and are frequently advised to modify their diet. However, advice may be complex and perceived to be restrictive. A six-week programme of cooking sessions was created, which aimed to represent everyday life and social situations. The course aimed to not only increase knowledge and confidence with the ‘renal diet’ and cooking skills but also to offer patients an opportunity to socialise away from a hospital setting.
Following the course, patients reported greater appetite, confidence in cooking skills and enjoyment of their diet and were more content with the range of foods they were able to eat. A sense of camaraderie developed and sessions became a forum for informal advice and peer support on a far wider range of renal issues such as dialysis and transplant hopes.
The award was presented by Dan Thomas, Joint MD for Chroma.
Scottish project to promote a FoodFirst approach in the NHS wins major award
Evelyn Newman, nutrition and dietetics advisor and Ian Rudd, director of pharmacy, NHS Highland, have won a major UK award for their work in reducing the use of unnecessary expensive oral nutrition supplements.
They are the winners of the Scottish Government’s award for improving quality: measuring and demonstrating impact, part of the prestigious Advancing Healthcare awards programme. The judges commented: “This is an excellent example of clinical leadership which delivered a transformational piece of work and a great example of cost saving.”
Over recent years the expenditure on oral nutrition supplement (ONS) prescribing across NHS Highland (NHSH) had increased to unacceptable levels, exceeding £1 million by 2015/16. NHS Scotland (NHSS) therefore decided to reduce variation in product prescribing, limit the use of ONS and proactively promote a person-centred FoodFirst approach. More than £300k in recurrent annual savings (equivalent to 30% of total budget) was realised. In care homes, levels of ONS waste were drastically reduced and residents enjoyed eating fortified meals and drinks rather prescribed cartons. Many were choosing to socialise more at mealtimes.
The award was presented by Tracy MacInnes, Acting Chief Health Professions Officer.
Northern Ireland dietitians win major award for helping pregnant women with diabetes
Michelle Murray and Siobhan Monaghan, diabetes specialist dietitians, Western Health and Social Care Trust, have won a major UK award for their service offering care from diabetes specialist dietitians (DSDs) and nurses.
They are the winners of the Northern Ireland award for maximising resources for success, part of the prestigious Advancing Healthcare awards programme. The judges commented: “Really lovely model of leadership, targeting those needing the most support and moving towards a virtual clinic model – transforming the service.”
A new model of care based on risk stratification and joint review with DSDs and diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) was set up for low-risk pregnancies. Out of a total of 384 GDM pregnancies, 84.3% were managed by the DSD+DSN led service. Of these, 30% were dietary managed and 51% were managed with diet and metformin, leaving more time and resources for higher risk pregnancies.
The award was presented by Hazel Winning, Lead AHP Officer, the Department of Health NI
The Advancing Healthcare awards programme, which crosses boundaries and fosters partnership working, is open to allied health professionals, healthcare scientists and those who work alongside them in support roles. The awards were presented at a celebration lunch on 12th April at the Park Plaza, Victoria in London.