Job summary We are excited to advertise the post of Specialist Sickle Cell Disease Dietitian. This innovative post has been created after consultation with Sickle Cell patient groups with funding from NHS England and SE London ICB to enhance the community service provided by the existing Sickle Cell Disease multi-disciplinary team which serves children and adults with sickle cell disease across South-East London. As part of the MDT, the dietitian will be responsible for providing nutritional guidance to patients with Sickle Cell Disease to help maintain good health and to recover from episodes of illness. This will involve developing an educational programme for patients and carers and running clinics for patients who require more intensive nutrition support due to ill health. It is a fantastic opportunity for a dietitian who is interested in working with both children and adults and would like experience in developing a brand new innovative service. The Sickle Cell Team is based at Mary Sheridan House, but the postholder should be prepared to attend clinics in community and tertiary centres across SE London. Main duties of the job For main duties of this post, see Sickle Cell Disease Dietitian role descriptor attached in this advert. About us Guys and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust : From our 5 main hospitals, and in the community, we provide a full range of lifelong, general and specialist care, as well as clinical research, innovation, education and training. We're a diverse and welcoming organisation, and are incredibly proud of our 25,500 staff and the dedication they show to our patients and each other. We aim to be outstanding in everything we do and to provide high quality and compassionate care and experience to all of our patients and families. As a leading centre of clinical research with a long history of innovation and medical firsts, we are able to provide the latest and most advanced treatments. We're ranked top in England for the number of trials open for patients to join and in the top 10 for the number of patients recruited to help us in our research. Our world famous teaching hospitals train the doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals of the future. GKT School of Medical Education is our medical school, run jointly with King's College London and King's College Hospital. We're guided by our values in everything we do and, as one of the largest employers in London, we reflect the diversity, opportunity and ambition of our communities and the people we serve. Date posted 28 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £54,320 to £60,981 a year p.a. inc HCA (pro rata) Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 196-LIS9317 Job locations Mary Sheridan House London SE11 4TH Job description Job responsibilities MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To be responsible for the development and provision of a specialist, evidence based dietetic service. To take the lead in providing expert dietetic advice to the multidisciplinary team through attendance and participation in multidisciplinary team meetings and clinics. To attend appropriate clinics and multidisciplinary meetings in order to provide expert advice to clinicians, patients and carers regarding provision of nutritional support for patients based on clinical evidence. This will involve nutritional assessment, to include the calculation of nutritional requirements based on the interpretation of biochemistry, anthropometry clinical condition and other physical parameters. To provide highly complex nutrition counselling to patients and/or their carers requiring post registration cognitive behavioural therapy and use of reassurance and motivational skills to overcome barriers to change particularly where there is non-compliance. Ability to utilise developed communication and teaching skills to educate the diverse and multicultural population with barriers to understanding, both on a one to one basis and in groups. This will include patients with severe communication problems. To be responsible for ensuring that patients and carers have consented prior to dietetic intervention in line with professional guidelines To communicate and liaise with medical, nursing and other professional staff. To attend appropriate ward rounds and meetings, providing highly specialised expert advice based on interpretation of biochemical parameters and fluid status monitoring, and care guidelines. To have a thorough knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and its implications. To lead on the design, implementation and evaluation of multi-disciplinary protocols and procedures aimed at improving nutritional status. To communicate and liaise with the community multidisciplinary team regarding nutrition related prescriptions and nutritional management of outpatients and where necessary providing information and education to clinicians, patients and carers. To directly prescribe nutritional supplements, vitamin and minerals. To be responsible for the ordering and maintenance of adequate stock levels of feeds and supplements at ward level. To develop, implement and audit innovative methods of delivering education sessions. To research, develop, produce and publish evidence-based literature, including use of patient forums. To be responsible for the safe discharge planning and follow up for those patients requiring artificial nutritional support in the community. To be trained to trainer level in the use of enteral feeding pumps and equipment. To be trained to trainer level in the use of anthropometric equipment for assessment of nutritional status, such as bioelectrical impedance, callipers and hand grip dynamometer and interpretation of results. To develop and lead Nutrition teaching programmes on postgraduate Dietetic, nursing and other courses as appropriate. To develop and lead nutrition teaching programmes for medical staff within the trust. To be responsible for the development and undertaking of the specialist training programme of the Departments junior staff. To participate, where deemed appropriate by clinical lead dietitian, in the recruitment and selection of junior members of staff. To be responsible for the clinical supervision and appraisal of junior staff, facilitating their professional development and post-graduate learning. To undertake mentoring of junior members of staff as appropriate To provide regional teaching of qualified dietitians on nutrition. To participate in the training and assessment of student dietitians To contribute to operational and strategic planning for the dietetic service within the specialist area. To ensure safe practice through development of caseload management plan taking into account risk management and documentation and reporting of critical incidents as outlined in the Trust policy. To take responsibility for ongoing clinical excellence through evidence-based practice and development of standards, policies and guidelines in conjunction with the departmental standards committee. To advise and liaise with the catering staff concerning the dietary needs of patients, and to assist in instructing chefs on preparation of special meals as required. To adapt and analyse the menu cycle to ensure suitability, and make recommendations to the site Catering Manager To initiate and participate in regular research and audit in line with departmental research and audit procedures. This includes co-ordination and supervision of research projects for undergraduate dietetic students. It will be expected that any relevant findings should be published or presented at appropriate conferences. To actively participate in departmental evidence based groups and help to ensure that the trusts clinical governance requirements are met. To keep statistics and written records of all in patient and outpatient contacts in accordance with trust and departmental standards for record keeping. To comply with professional codes of practice, professional guidelines and departmental policies. To maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with the Trust policy and Health Professions Council standards. To be an active team member of the Dietetic Department at Guys and St Thomas participating in departmental developments and projects and attending monthly staff and continuing professional development meetings. To participate fully in the appraisal process and develop a strategy for continuing professional development encompassing a portfolio-based assessment in line with national legislation. To carry out good office practice in accordance with the departments policies and procedures. To have an understanding of the Trusts Equal Opportunities policy and provide a fair and non-biased service. To have an understanding of the Trusts Health & Safety policy and be aware of responsibilities. To provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence. In consultation with the post-holder, undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade as requested by the Dietetic Services Manager. Job description Job responsibilities MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To be responsible for the development and provision of a specialist, evidence based dietetic service. To take the lead in providing expert dietetic advice to the multidisciplinary team through attendance and participation in multidisciplinary team meetings and clinics. To attend appropriate clinics and multidisciplinary meetings in order to provide expert advice to clinicians, patients and carers regarding provision of nutritional support for patients based on clinical evidence. This will involve nutritional assessment, to include the calculation of nutritional requirements based on the interpretation of biochemistry, anthropometry clinical condition and other physical parameters. To provide highly complex nutrition counselling to patients and/or their carers requiring post registration cognitive behavioural therapy and use of reassurance and motivational skills to overcome barriers to change particularly where there is non-compliance. Ability to utilise developed communication and teaching skills to educate the diverse and multicultural population with barriers to understanding, both on a one to one basis and in groups. This will include patients with severe communication problems. To be responsible for ensuring that patients and carers have consented prior to dietetic intervention in line with professional guidelines To communicate and liaise with medical, nursing and other professional staff. To attend appropriate ward rounds and meetings, providing highly specialised expert advice based on interpretation of biochemical parameters and fluid status monitoring, and care guidelines. To have a thorough knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and its implications. To lead on the design, implementation and evaluation of multi-disciplinary protocols and procedures aimed at improving nutritional status. To communicate and liaise with the community multidisciplinary team regarding nutrition related prescriptions and nutritional management of outpatients and where necessary providing information and education to clinicians, patients and carers. To directly prescribe nutritional supplements, vitamin and minerals. To be responsible for the ordering and maintenance of adequate stock levels of feeds and supplements at ward level. To develop, implement and audit innovative methods of delivering education sessions. To research, develop, produce and publish evidence-based literature, including use of patient forums. To be responsible for the safe discharge planning and follow up for those patients requiring artificial nutritional support in the community. To be trained to trainer level in the use of enteral feeding pumps and equipment. To be trained to trainer level in the use of anthropometric equipment for assessment of nutritional status, such as bioelectrical impedance, callipers and hand grip dynamometer and interpretation of results. To develop and lead Nutrition teaching programmes on postgraduate Dietetic, nursing and other courses as appropriate. To develop and lead nutrition teaching programmes for medical staff within the trust. To be responsible for the development and undertaking of the specialist training programme of the Departments junior staff. To participate, where deemed appropriate by clinical lead dietitian, in the recruitment and selection of junior members of staff. To be responsible for the clinical supervision and appraisal of junior staff, facilitating their professional development and post-graduate learning. To undertake mentoring of junior members of staff as appropriate To provide regional teaching of qualified dietitians on nutrition. To participate in the training and assessment of student dietitians To contribute to operational and strategic planning for the dietetic service within the specialist area. To ensure safe practice through development of caseload management plan taking into account risk management and documentation and reporting of critical incidents as outlined in the Trust policy. To take responsibility for ongoing clinical excellence through evidence-based practice and development of standards, policies and guidelines in conjunction with the departmental standards committee. To advise and liaise with the catering staff concerning the dietary needs of patients, and to assist in instructing chefs on preparation of special meals as required. To adapt and analyse the menu cycle to ensure suitability, and make recommendations to the site Catering Manager To initiate and participate in regular research and audit in line with departmental research and audit procedures. This includes co-ordination and supervision of research projects for undergraduate dietetic students. It will be expected that any relevant findings should be published or presented at appropriate conferences. To actively participate in departmental evidence based groups and help to ensure that the trusts clinical governance requirements are met. To keep statistics and written records of all in patient and outpatient contacts in accordance with trust and departmental standards for record keeping. To comply with professional codes of practice, professional guidelines and departmental policies. To maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with the Trust policy and Health Professions Council standards. To be an active team member of the Dietetic Department at Guys and St Thomas participating in departmental developments and projects and attending monthly staff and continuing professional development meetings. To participate fully in the appraisal process and develop a strategy for continuing professional development encompassing a portfolio-based assessment in line with national legislation. To carry out good office practice in accordance with the departments policies and procedures. To have an understanding of the Trusts Equal Opportunities policy and provide a fair and non-biased service. To have an understanding of the Trusts Health & Safety policy and be aware of responsibilities. To provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence. In consultation with the post-holder, undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade as requested by the Dietetic Services Manager. Person Specification Knowledge/Qualifications Essential BSc (Hons) Degree in Dietetics or equivalent Current HCPC registration Evidence of further postgraduate study in specialist area Advanced BDA course in Nutritional Support e.g. PENG Course Postgraduate training in cognitive behavioural therapy Required to have attended relevant Post Graduate courses or be working at Masters level Sound clinical knowledge Evidence of CPD e.g. advanced diploma in dietetic practice or equivalent short courses Sound knowledge of clinical issues relating to specialist area Experience Essential Substantial clinical experience following graduation Previous experience at a senior level Experience of training student dietitians Working as part of a team Previous experience of conducting audits and / or research Desirable Previous experience in project management One year's experience in specialist area including paediatrics Skills Essential Good communication Organisational skills Presentation skills - evidence of presentations to large groups Time management Change management Maintain confidentiality Prioritise own workload Able to work under own initiative Able to achieve deadlines Ability to liaise with professionals at all levels Other Essential Computer literacy Desirable Teaching on degree (or higher level) / professional course Representative on academic / government committee / working party Ability to analyse and Interpret statistics Previous specialist related publications Person Specification Knowledge/Qualifications Essential BSc (Hons) Degree in Dietetics or equivalent Current HCPC registration Evidence of further postgraduate study in specialist area Advanced BDA course in Nutritional Support e.g. PENG Course Postgraduate training in cognitive behavioural therapy Required to have attended relevant Post Graduate courses or be working at Masters level Sound clinical knowledge Evidence of CPD e.g. advanced diploma in dietetic practice or equivalent short courses Sound knowledge of clinical issues relating to specialist area Experience Essential Substantial clinical experience following graduation Previous experience at a senior level Experience of training student dietitians Working as part of a team Previous experience of conducting audits and / or research Desirable Previous experience in project management One year's experience in specialist area including paediatrics Skills Essential Good communication Organisational skills Presentation skills - evidence of presentations to large groups Time management Change management Maintain confidentiality Prioritise own workload Able to work under own initiative Able to achieve deadlines Ability to liaise with professionals at all levels Other Essential Computer literacy Desirable Teaching on degree (or higher level) / professional course Representative on academic / government committee / working party Ability to analyse and Interpret statistics Previous specialist related publications 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 Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust Address Mary Sheridan House London SE11 4TH Employer's website https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx (Opens in a new tab)