CSS News

This week, we’re celebrating Dietitians Week (1–5 June) — a moment to recognise the skill, compassion and impact of our dietetic teams across MFT.

At its heart, this year’s theme is simple but powerful: dietetics is more than just a job. It’s a profession grounded in science, delivered with empathy, and felt most in the lives of patients and families.

Take a look at some very heartwarming messages from our Paed DT teams to celebrate DT week – they really show pride and passion.

A role built on learning, curiosity and teamwork

Dietitians are clear that the learning doesn’t stop after qualification. Practice is constantly evolving, and the best clinicians stay curious — learning from colleagues, other professionals, and, importantly, from patients themselves.

There’s a strong message for anyone considering the profession: ask questions, stay open, and keep developing. That culture of shared learning is what makes teams stronger.

The moments that matter

Ask a dietitian what a ‘good day’ looks like, and the answers come back to impact.

It might be something big — supporting a child to outgrow a food allergy and enjoy foods they’ve previously had to avoid. Or something quieter — knowing a family or colleague genuinely valued your input that day.

These moments matter because they remind teams why the work matters.

Holding on to purpose, even on tough days

Like many clinical roles, dietetics has its challenging days. What keeps people coming back is consistent:

• Patients and families
• The chance to make a difference at difficult times
• The support of a close, capable team

Reflection plays an important role too — stepping back to see the bigger picture and the cumulative impact of small, consistent interventions.

More than food: a holistic approach

One of the strongest themes across the week is that dietetics goes far beyond telling people what to eat.

Dietitians take a holistic view — considering routines, sleep, family context, and wider social factors. They work alongside patients to build practical, realistic changes that stick.

Reassurance is often just as important as advice.

There are also aspects of the role many wouldn’t expect — from coordinating prescriptions and specialist feeds, to navigating systems to make sure families get what they need.

Making a real clinical difference

At its core, dietetics is a clinical intervention.

Dietitians use evidence-based nutrition to:

• Improve growth and development
• Stabilise complex conditions
• Reduce complications
• Support quality of life

From ketogenic therapy for epilepsy to early nutritional support that prevents deterioration, the impact is tangible and often life-changing.

It’s not about achieving a “perfect diet”. It’s about working with families to make small, meaningful changes that improve outcomes that matter to them.

A profession to be proud of

Jan Wilson, Associate Director –  Allied Health Professions for CSS, reflects on the contribution of dietitians across our services:

“Dietitians exemplify the very best of AHP professional practice, bringing together clinical expertise, science, compassion and partnership working to improve outcomes for patients and families. Their impact is often life-changing but not always visible, which makes this week so important. It’s a chance to recognise the difference they make every single day.”

A team to be proud of

Across the responses, one thing comes through clearly: teamwork.

Daily check-ins, shared problem-solving, and a willingness to support each other through busy or difficult days create a strong, connected team culture.

It’s something to celebrate — alongside the dedication, expertise and care shown every day.

Changing lives early

Early nutritional support can shift outcomes over a lifetime.

Whether it’s improving a child’s relationship with food or supporting healthy growth, early intervention has a lasting impact — not just clinically, but emotionally and socially for families.

Thank you

Dietitians Week is a chance to pause and recognise the value of a profession that often works quietly behind the scenes, but makes a profound difference every day.

To all our dietetic colleagues:
thank you for your expertise, your kindness, and the difference you make — for patients, families and each other.