Community dieticians

Welcome to NHS Borders Community Dietitians RefHelp homepage.

As an integral member of multi-disciplinary teams the community dietitians team provide specialist care to Adult community residents across NHS Borders. Equipped with up to date scientific evidenced based knowledge it is our role to provide specialist nutritional support to improve health outcomes and wellbeing through dietary interventions.

Our service is provided by a team of dietitians and a dietetic assistant, treating nutrition related conditions. Our service includes face to face, remote clinics such as telephone and video calls and domiciliary visits where appropriate (including Care home residents). Our dietetic consultations place the patient at the centre of our care liaising with family/carers and healthcare staff from primary, secondary and tertiary care centres as appropriate.

Dietitians can play a vital role in the prevention of frailty and malnutrition through early identification. With appropriate dietetic support the risks and frailty associated with malnutrition can be reduced.

Who to refer, who not to refer, how to refer

Who to refer:

MUST screening tool.

Based on referral information patients are triaged appropriately:

NHS Borders Community Dietitian Triage guidelines

Who not to refer:

You can email Bor.enquiriescommunitydietitians@borders.scot.nhs.uk for any general enquiries

16 or under

Those in fulltime education under 18

Diagnosed Eating disorders or AFRID

Weight management

How to refer:

Within NHS Borders, staff can send referrals electronically via sci gateway or complete referral form Community Dietitian Referral Form and send to the referral email address: bor.communitydietitians@borders.scot.nhs.uk

Non NHS referrals i.e. Third sector, to protect confidentiality should be posted to AHP admin, Ground Floor, Borders General Hospital, Melrose TD6 9BS (exception is where email is encrypted and can be sent to the above address).

Primary care management

Mark as URGENT or Routine

Describe best mode of consultation i.e.. Prefer telephone/video call

If housebound, is DOM needed

What is the weight and weight history?

If package of care in place, who is the provider with contact details.

Does the patient have capacity?

If no, how has welfare power of attorney with contact details?

Has a MUST assessment been done for this patient?

Outline of nutritional concerns?

Resources and links

Local resources:

NHS Borders weight management services

NHS Borders Children and Young Peoples Dietitian

Other organisations:

The food train is a nationwide organisation supporting older adults living at home to eat well and age well.
Beat is the UK's leading Eating Disorder Charity providing support and specialist resources to those living with disordered eating.
NHS Borders health and wellbeing support.

Resources:

BDA Food facts - Free evidence based food and health fact sheets including a wide variety of clinical conditions suitable for the public to download

Useful quick links:

Local service details

Bor.communitydietitians@borders.scot.nhs.uk

Bor.enquiriescommunitydietitians@borders.scot.nhs.uk

01896 827427

Last reviewed: 10/07/2024

Next review date: 10/07/2026

Author(s): Ann O’Connor, Sheila Murray.

Author email(s): ann.oconnor@nhs.scot, Sheila.murray@nhs.scot.