Job summary An exciting an exciting opportunity has arisen to join the nutrition and dietetic department at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital as a full time dietitian in the acute team. The successful candidate will be supported by an experienced team of dietitians and a dietetic assistant. We offer regular supervision and a robust appraisal system. In addition, we encourage and support CPD opportunities such as shadowing other specialities within the department and attending relevant study sessions. We provide training for students from the University of Hertfordshire. Main duties of the job You will join our acute team and will be responsible for a number of designated wards across the hospital, a weekly outpatient clinic and educational sessions for healthcare professionals. You will be required to have HCPC registration, communication skills and demonstrate reflective practice. Experience delivering teaching and training would be an advantage. About us Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available. Our values We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity and creating a culture that values differences. Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job. Date posted 04 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year pro rota Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 418-DTO9960-KA Job locations Luton and Dunstable Hospital Lewsey road LUTON LU4 0DZ Job description Job responsibilities Communication and Relationships To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff. Positive relationships are characterised by open communication, trust and respect To liaise with nursing, medical, catering and other health professionals concerning the treatment of your patients whether on the wards or out in the community To communicate effectively with patients and carers to ensure understanding of condition and treatment plans To attend department meetings and team meetings To use a range of different communication skills; including motivational interviewing, counselling skills, negotiating skills and cognitive behavioural therapy to help patients achieve their nutritional goals, considering any barriers to change patients may have To advise and liaise with catering staff concerning the dietary needs of patients and work closely with dietetic and catering colleagues on issues such as menu planning, provision of therapeutic diets and initiatives to improve nutrition of patients To contribute as required to the multidisciplinary team via ward rounds; case conferences; discharge planning meetings and team meetings as appropriate To plan and organise group education sessions for patients To advise medical team on the appropriate prescription of nutritional supplements and enteral feeds for in and outpatients, based on individual clinical assessment. Arrange follow-up and monitoring as required Analytical and Judgemental To be professionally and legally accountable and responsible for all aspects of your own work, including the management of patients in your care. To develop individual treatment plans for patients setting appropriate nutritional goals To negotiate and agree dietary changes with patients using appropriate counselling, motivational and behaviour change techniques and skill. This may also involve patients carers or other family members where appropriate and will require a sensitive and empathetic manner to overcome resistance to change. To evaluate and review your own work and that of the service, seeking the views of others and adopting the principles of evidence based practice to ensure maintenance of clinical and professional standards Planning and Organisation To work as a member of the clinical team of Dietitians supporting team working within the hospital. This involves sharing responsibility and accountability for the dietetic cover for the medical and/or surgical wards To be able to organize and manage caseload Patient and Client Care To provide Nutrition and Dietetic Services to adult inpatients and outpatients To undertake comprehensive assessments of adult patients, including biochemistry, anthropometrics, pharmacological, clinical condition, diet history and social circumstances and to use clinical reasoning skills to interpret data, using patient care pathways to plan patient care To provide dietetic advice to patients and / or carers, taking account of medical, social, emotional, psychological and cultural needs of the patients and to be able to use this complex and sensitive information in formulating individualised dietetic advice To provide appropriate treatment, monitoring and review of patients dietary needs, involving other agencies when indicated; treatments include therapeutic dietary modification, modified consistency, nutritional supplementation and enteral feeding To provide advice on appropriate use of nutritional products including product type, rate and volume to meet patients individual nutritional requirements To demonstrate empathy and reassure patients and their carers, when appropriate, to continue to reach targets throughout their nutritional treatment To ensure appropriate supply of nutritional products to wards in accordance with Trust policies To be familiar with the use of enteral feeding equipment used within the trust and community setting Policy and Service To contribute to the services quality and audit programme, including the monitoring of clinical and process standards for your own work and that of the wider Nutrition and Dietetic Service To contribute to the development of high quality diet sheets, information leaflets and other educational resources to support the delivery of Nutrition and Dietetic Services To maintain an up to date knowledge and evidence base to support your practice. To contribute to the implementation of protocols and guidelines relevant to your work To evaluate and review your own work and that of the service, seeking the views of others and adopting the principles of evidence based practice to ensure maintenance of clinical and professional standards To contribute to the journal club and CPD meetings To cover for colleagues in their absence To be a member of the resources group or quality improvement group To contribute to the setting of targets and annual team objectives, and to the monitoring of these objectives Financial and Physical Resources Does not hold budgetary responsibility but is aware of the need to plan non-pay expenditure for the team of Dietitians Human Resources To contribute to the provision of tutorials and monitoring and supervision of student Dietitians and/or dietetic assistants (responsibility not given until completion of at least 6 months post-qualification experience) Information Resources To maintain accurate and comprehensive patient records in line with HCPC, BDA, acute trust, PCT and departmental standards To collect patient data to meet the departments information requirements. Research and Development To plan and provide appropriate training for other health professionals To provide group education session to specific patient groups e.g. pulmonary or cardiac rehabilitation To evaluate, review and update all training provided on a regular basis. To be responsible for maintaining your own competency to practice through Continuing Professional Development activities. To attend training courses relevant to your rotation (i.e. PENG/ paeds course/ primary care conferences) Freedom to Act Describes and applies clinical reasoning for the treatment of patients under their care Works within broad treatment guidelines, but is able to act autonomously when making decisions about patients care. Is supervised by a senior dietitian with whom they can discuss treatment plans, problems and queries Refers the care of complex patient cases, which are outside their competencies, to a more Senior Dietitian Professional Registration The post holder should work in accordance with their professional bodys Code of Conduct. Evidence of continuous registration is a requirement of employment with this Trust. Personal Development The post holder will be expected to undertake ongoing personal and professional development commensurate with the responsibilities of the post. It is specifically expected that the post holder will avail him/herself of any opportunities of mentorship and development offered. Role Development The duties and responsibilities contained within this job description are indicative but not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other work consistent with their grade. As the PCT develops the requirements of the post may change. The post holder will be fully involved and consulted as such changes occur. Notes: The post holder will have access to confidential data on staff and services within the Trust. Failure to maintain confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action, which could ultimately lead to dismissal. You will be required to assess all risks to your systems, processes and environment and contribute towards the clinical and corporate governance agenda as appropriate. You will be expected to produce work to a high standard and to promote quality at all times. You will be expected to keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy. You must familiarise yourself with matters relating to Health and Safety management as they affect you personally and / or the Trust. You will be expected to participate in the staff appraisal scheme for staff you manage. You will be expected to keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy. The above Job Description does not purport to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. The post holder will be expected to undertake additional duties as the requirements of the post change. Job description Job responsibilities Communication and Relationships To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff. Positive relationships are characterised by open communication, trust and respect To liaise with nursing, medical, catering and other health professionals concerning the treatment of your patients whether on the wards or out in the community To communicate effectively with patients and carers to ensure understanding of condition and treatment plans To attend department meetings and team meetings To use a range of different communication skills; including motivational interviewing, counselling skills, negotiating skills and cognitive behavioural therapy to help patients achieve their nutritional goals, considering any barriers to change patients may have To advise and liaise with catering staff concerning the dietary needs of patients and work closely with dietetic and catering colleagues on issues such as menu planning, provision of therapeutic diets and initiatives to improve nutrition of patients To contribute as required to the multidisciplinary team via ward rounds; case conferences; discharge planning meetings and team meetings as appropriate To plan and organise group education sessions for patients To advise medical team on the appropriate prescription of nutritional supplements and enteral feeds for in and outpatients, based on individual clinical assessment. Arrange follow-up and monitoring as required Analytical and Judgemental To be professionally and legally accountable and responsible for all aspects of your own work, including the management of patients in your care. To develop individual treatment plans for patients setting appropriate nutritional goals To negotiate and agree dietary changes with patients using appropriate counselling, motivational and behaviour change techniques and skill. This may also involve patients carers or other family members where appropriate and will require a sensitive and empathetic manner to overcome resistance to change. To evaluate and review your own work and that of the service, seeking the views of others and adopting the principles of evidence based practice to ensure maintenance of clinical and professional standards Planning and Organisation To work as a member of the clinical team of Dietitians supporting team working within the hospital. This involves sharing responsibility and accountability for the dietetic cover for the medical and/or surgical wards To be able to organize and manage caseload Patient and Client Care To provide Nutrition and Dietetic Services to adult inpatients and outpatients To undertake comprehensive assessments of adult patients, including biochemistry, anthropometrics, pharmacological, clinical condition, diet history and social circumstances and to use clinical reasoning skills to interpret data, using patient care pathways to plan patient care To provide dietetic advice to patients and / or carers, taking account of medical, social, emotional, psychological and cultural needs of the patients and to be able to use this complex and sensitive information in formulating individualised dietetic advice To provide appropriate treatment, monitoring and review of patients dietary needs, involving other agencies when indicated; treatments include therapeutic dietary modification, modified consistency, nutritional supplementation and enteral feeding To provide advice on appropriate use of nutritional products including product type, rate and volume to meet patients individual nutritional requirements To demonstrate empathy and reassure patients and their carers, when appropriate, to continue to reach targets throughout their nutritional treatment To ensure appropriate supply of nutritional products to wards in accordance with Trust policies To be familiar with the use of enteral feeding equipment used within the trust and community setting Policy and Service To contribute to the services quality and audit programme, including the monitoring of clinical and process standards for your own work and that of the wider Nutrition and Dietetic Service To contribute to the development of high quality diet sheets, information leaflets and other educational resources to support the delivery of Nutrition and Dietetic Services To maintain an up to date knowledge and evidence base to support your practice. To contribute to the implementation of protocols and guidelines relevant to your work To evaluate and review your own work and that of the service, seeking the views of others and adopting the principles of evidence based practice to ensure maintenance of clinical and professional standards To contribute to the journal club and CPD meetings To cover for colleagues in their absence To be a member of the resources group or quality improvement group To contribute to the setting of targets and annual team objectives, and to the monitoring of these objectives Financial and Physical Resources Does not hold budgetary responsibility but is aware of the need to plan non-pay expenditure for the team of Dietitians Human Resources To contribute to the provision of tutorials and monitoring and supervision of student Dietitians and/or dietetic assistants (responsibility not given until completion of at least 6 months post-qualification experience) Information Resources To maintain accurate and comprehensive patient records in line with HCPC, BDA, acute trust, PCT and departmental standards To collect patient data to meet the departments information requirements. Research and Development To plan and provide appropriate training for other health professionals To provide group education session to specific patient groups e.g. pulmonary or cardiac rehabilitation To evaluate, review and update all training provided on a regular basis. To be responsible for maintaining your own competency to practice through Continuing Professional Development activities. To attend training courses relevant to your rotation (i.e. PENG/ paeds course/ primary care conferences) Freedom to Act Describes and applies clinical reasoning for the treatment of patients under their care Works within broad treatment guidelines, but is able to act autonomously when making decisions about patients care. Is supervised by a senior dietitian with whom they can discuss treatment plans, problems and queries Refers the care of complex patient cases, which are outside their competencies, to a more Senior Dietitian Professional Registration The post holder should work in accordance with their professional bodys Code of Conduct. Evidence of continuous registration is a requirement of employment with this Trust. Personal Development The post holder will be expected to undertake ongoing personal and professional development commensurate with the responsibilities of the post. It is specifically expected that the post holder will avail him/herself of any opportunities of mentorship and development offered. Role Development The duties and responsibilities contained within this job description are indicative but not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other work consistent with their grade. As the PCT develops the requirements of the post may change. The post holder will be fully involved and consulted as such changes occur. Notes: The post holder will have access to confidential data on staff and services within the Trust. Failure to maintain confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action, which could ultimately lead to dismissal. You will be required to assess all risks to your systems, processes and environment and contribute towards the clinical and corporate governance agenda as appropriate. You will be expected to produce work to a high standard and to promote quality at all times. You will be expected to keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy. You must familiarise yourself with matters relating to Health and Safety management as they affect you personally and / or the Trust. You will be expected to participate in the staff appraisal scheme for staff you manage. You will be expected to keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy. The above Job Description does not purport to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. The post holder will be expected to undertake additional duties as the requirements of the post change. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics HCPC dietetic registration Evidence of experience within the NHS relevant to Dietetics, either paid, voluntary or through clinical training Desirable Currently working as a band 5 or dietetic assistant within the acute/community setting Membership of the British Dietetic Association Knowledge & Experience Essential Sound clinical knowledge of general dietetics including relevant national policies & guidelines Ability to analyse and interpret complex medical and nutritional information Evidence of multidisciplinary team working Desirable Experience of carrying out audits within a clinical setting Experience of supervising students Skills Essential Written skills- evidence of a good standard of written and verbal English appropriate to the role Ability to communicate effectively with patients in one-to-one situations Presentation skills- ability to present to groups of patients/ healthcare professionals Able to work under own initiative and manage a caseload Evidence of ability to prioritise and manage time effectively and efficiently Proficient IT Skills, including use of Word, Microsoft Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint Desirable Evidence of ability to critically evaluate current research & apply to own practice Use of behaviour change and motivation skills Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics HCPC dietetic registration Evidence of experience within the NHS relevant to Dietetics, either paid, voluntary or through clinical training Desirable Currently working as a band 5 or dietetic assistant within the acute/community setting Membership of the British Dietetic Association Knowledge & Experience Essential Sound clinical knowledge of general dietetics including relevant national policies & guidelines Ability to analyse and interpret complex medical and nutritional information Evidence of multidisciplinary team working Desirable Experience of carrying out audits within a clinical setting Experience of supervising students Skills Essential Written skills- evidence of a good standard of written and verbal English appropriate to the role Ability to communicate effectively with patients in one-to-one situations Presentation skills- ability to present to groups of patients/ healthcare professionals Able to work under own initiative and manage a caseload Evidence of ability to prioritise and manage time effectively and efficiently Proficient IT Skills, including use of Word, Microsoft Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint Desirable Evidence of ability to critically evaluate current research & apply to own practice Use of behaviour change and motivation skills Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Luton and Dunstable Hospital Lewsey road LUTON LU4 0DZ Employer's website https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)