What we do
Acute dietitians advise and support the medical team to help manage patients’ medical conditions and to ensure they meet their nutritional requirements. We work closely with catering services to ensure that the meals provided meet the specific nutritional, cultural and religious needs. In some cases where the oral intake remains poor or is not expected to improve, we may implement specialised forms of artificial tube feeding.
We are a team of 35 dietitians, 4 dietetic assistants and 2 administrative staff providing adult inpatient and outpatient services to 3 main hospitals across NHS Lothian: the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Western General Hospital, and St John’s Hospital.
The specialities we provide dietetic services to include:
Renal, Bariatric Surgery, Diabetes and the Regional Eating Disorder Unit are also supported by specialist hospital dietitians
What to expect
During illness or injury our nutritional requirements can change significantly requiring dietary changes. Appetite and dietary intake can be quite poor which can lead to weight loss and can impact the time it takes to recover.
On admission to hospital, your nutritional status will be assessed using the ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool’ (MUST) and you will be referred to the acute dietetic team if you are at risk of malnutrition or malnourished. You may also need dietetic input if you require specific dietary advice for your clinical condition. Referrals can be made by nurses, doctors, or other healthcare professionals.
We aim to provide a nutritional assessment within 3 working days. If you are already prescribed oral nutritional supplements by your GP or community dietitian these will be continued during your admission, and you will be referred to the acute dietetic team.
At assessment we will explore your current/past dietary habits and ask about any weight changes. We will work closely with you to create a specific nutritional plan to help you achieve your nutritional goals and support you to make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes to help treat or prevent disease.
During your admission, you may require oral nutritional supplements which should only be used when under the care of a Dietitian. Not everyone requires these when they go home but if you need these to continue your dietitian will arrange a prescription via your GP and you will be followed up by the community dietetic team.
Contact details:
RIE dietetic team – 0131 242 1958
WGH dietetic team – 0131 537 1815
SJH dietetic team – 0131 537 1815
Helpful Resources can be found here: https://www.bapen.org.uk/
Renal (Kidney) Dietetic Team
The Renal Dietitians are based at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, but take care of both inpatients, renal clinic outpatients and those on dialysis across Lothian at the Western General Hospital and St John’s Hospital. We also see people attending the Edinburgh Transplant Centre. We may offer a telephone or video clinic appointment as well as reviewing people face-to-face.
Why do I need to see a Renal Dietitian?
When the kidneys do not work properly, problems may occur including a build-up of blood mineral levels of potassium and phosphate, fluid overload and loss of appetite. Renal Dietitians can help you understand how different foods affect your kidneys and provide guidance on maintaining a balanced diet that supports kidney health.
We can advise on food and drink choices to:
- Help lower potassium and phosphate levels if required.
- Reduce salt and fluid to help prevent fluid overload.
- Help increase energy (calorie) intake following a period of poor appetite (build-up diet).
Renal Dietitians can also support people who are working towards a healthy weight, especially for those who need a transplant.
What will happen when I see the Renal Dietitian?
The Renal Dietitian will ask you about your general health and what foods and drinks you typically have. They will use this information along with your blood tests and medical information to provide you with practical and individual dietary advice to suit your needs. Written information and meal/recipe ideas are often provided to help you follow this advice at home.
How can I be referred?
The NHS Lothian Renal Dietitians can only accept referrals for people under the care of the NHS Lothian Kidney or Transplant teams. If you are under one of these teams and would like to see a Renal Dietitian, please ask your Renal Consultant or nurse to refer you.
Alternatively, please contact the Renal Dietitians on 0131 242 1255 and leave an answerphone message. Please include your name, date of birth and reason for enquiry.
Helpful Resources:
Kidney Care UK – How can a Renal Dietitian help me?
Kidney Care UK – Kidney Kitchen webpage containing dietary information and recipes
The Association of UK Dietitians – Food Fact Sheet for Salt
NHS Inform 12-week weight management programme
Kidney Beam website – Helping people living with kidney disease to feel good through movement, education and wellbeing support
