The British Dietetic Association (BDA) welcomes Lord Darzi's thorough report on the state of the NHS in England, commissioned by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting.
We believe that the issues of productivity and patient flow highlighted in the report can be resolved in part through greater access to dietetic support at the right time. Dietitians play a crucial role in managing long-term conditions, de-escalating patients in the community resulting in fewer referrals to secondary care, reducing hospital admissions, and supporting earlier discharge. This all amounts to better care for people in the most appropriate setting.
Independent prescribing rights for dietitians will also lead to better use of resources in the system, reduced duplication and more appropriate care for patients.
We wholeheartedly support the report's focus on prevention. Nutrition is a key aspect of preventative healthcare, and ensuring access to good, nutritious food is vital for improving public health and reducing pressure on NHS services. We are campaigning for a comprehensive UK-wide food strategy, to improve public health and reduce inequalities whilst supporting economic productivity. Our campaign for expanding free school meals to all primary pupils is another initiative that would support the report's emphasis on prevention and tackling health disparities from an early age.
The BDA agrees with Lord Darzi's call for greater investment in both the NHS workforce and in the technology to work smarter. Our own members are challenged to deliver patient services in an environment where vacancies and under-resourcing are the norm. The dietetic workforce needs to double in size over the next 10 years to be able to support the population to live well and age well.
We look forward to working more closely with NHS England to play our part in implementing solutions that address the challenges outlined in this report. The BDA and our members are ready to contribute leadership and expertise to develop the system and improve patient outcomes, contributing to overall productivity gains.
