Our Services

Description

The Dietetic Service provides therapeutic advice about nutrition and diet to people with a range of dietary issues Dietetics is the discipline of applying nutritional science to individuals and groups in states of disease and health.

Dietitians assess specific nutritional requirements throughout the life span and translate this into advice and/or treatment. This will maintain, reduce risk to, or restore health, as well as alleviate discomfort in palliative care.

Services span across various entities including Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) & Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre (SAMOC), Primary Health Care (PHC), Karen Grech Hospital (KGH), Mount Carmel Hospital (MCH), Gozo General Hospital (GGH) and Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek (DKGHS).

All dietitians employed by the Ministry have completed an approved qualification and are registered to practice with the Council for the Professions Complementary to Medicine. The team works closely with relevant medical, nursing and allied health professionals.

The services and the department’s aim is to provide:

  • Individualised dietary assessments and nutrition diagnoses for both children and adults at inpatient and outpatient settings
  • Advice on the appropriate diet for various clinical and medical conditions
  • Nutrition and dietetic training to health care professionals
  • Improve standards of nutrition and dietetics across all entities both on an inpatient and outpatient service
  • Collaborate and advice all ministries regarding nutrition and dietetics

Procedure

The Person who fulfils the eligibility criteria to benefit from this service can be referred by a doctor or healthcare professional.

Required Documents

Standard referral forms

Back Office Process

Dietetics services receive referrals through a standard procedure at the specified entity. Referrals received are then distributed amongst the dietitians for vetting, so cases are prioritised according to urgencies. An appointment is provided to the client and each client is notified by letter, telephone and/or SMS. The dietitian documents the details of each consultation and relevant information kept in the clients’ records under a strict confidentiality policy. At the first consultation a client is assessed and given individual nutrition and dietetic intervention according to the reason of referral. Follow up appointments are given according to each client’s individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What should I do if I can’t attend my outpatient appointment for any reason?

Answer: If you need to change your nutrition and dietetics outpatient appointment, please contact the relevant entity as soon as possible. This will enable us to offer your slot to another client. If you do not attend your appointment and have not contacted our office or main reception you will be discharged from the clinic and need another referral if you want to be seen again.

Question: If I am referred to a dietitian as an inpatient, how long will I have to wait to be seen?

Answer: Once referred to a dietitian by a consultant at the ward level, we aim to see you within one working day of the referral being made.

Question: Do I need to bring anything else to an outpatient appointment

Answer: Following an assessment, you might be instructed to keep a regular account of your dietary intake and this information will be invaluable to the dietitian in managing your care. If you are coming in for an outpatient follow-up appointment, you might be asked to bring your food diary with you. It is often useful if you can bring the dietitian a list of any medications and/or supplements you are taking.

How to Contact Us

When you visit our Office we will:

  • Be quick, courteous and helpful
  • Welcome you in a clean and friendly environment

When you phone us you can expect us to:

  • Answer promptly
  • Identify ourselves