Our Services

Description

Nutritionists use their food science knowledge to provide evidence-based information, together with guidance about the impacts of food and nutrition on health and wellbeing, to individuals and groups of people.

Nutritionists work in a variety of settings, including in the community, in health organisations, or in public health. Various local entities where nutritionists work include the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate (HPDP), Primary HealthCare (PHC), and Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek (DKGHS).

Nutritionists develop programs and use their knowledge to help individuals and groups make the right choices about what they eat. They often work with specific groups of people, such as adolescents, people living with obesity, or the elderly.

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

Depending on the area of work, nutritionists typically:

  • Design, implement, and evaluate a range of practical and educational food-based initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyle changes;
  • Support individuals, communities and workforces to make positive, practical changes to their food choices and general health;
  • Deliver presentations and workshops on areas such as health education/promotion, behavioural and lifestyle change, and weight management;
  • Develop and analyse recipes for health department or government entities;
  • Provide nutrition education sessions to improve patient self-management and prevent complications in particular client groups, such as patients living with obesity across all ages, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or the elderly;
  • Work on specific educational campaigns, like reduction of sugar intake, bone health, and salt reduction;
  • Provide nutrition training to health care professionals;
  • Improve standards of nutrition across all entities;
  • Promote nutritional advice via the press, website content, e-learning tutorials and webinars, seminars, audio and video podcasts and social media;
  • Review literature and undertake research and surveys;
  • Write reports and publish papers;
  • Conduct dietary surveys, food research and clinical trials to develop and enhance the evidence base;
  • Advocate change, and lead on and write policy;
  • Collaborate and advise all ministries regarding nutrition and healthy lifestyles

Procedure

Individuals who fulfil the eligibility criteria for any of the group interventions carried out by nutritionists, can either self-refer, or be referred by a doctor, or by a healthcare professional.

Required Documents

Standard referral forms from doctors and health care professionals.

Relevant application forms for interventions delivered by HPDP for the services such as the weight management programme. For other nutrition educational services offered by the HPDP Directorate individuals can express interest for interventions via the email address: [email protected].

An email sent by individual who expresses interest for interventions delivered by PHC on email address [email protected].

Back Office Process

Depending on the entity and nature of service, particularly for group sessions, nutritionists receive referrals through referral forms from doctors and health care professionals, through application forms, or through self-referrals. Referrals received are vetted according to locality. Each client is notified by telephone, letter, email and/or SMS that their application has been received, and information on the next available course is given. All relevant client information and records are kept under a strict confidentiality policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What should I do if I cannot attend a group session for any reason?

Answer: Ideally, try to attend all group sessions. Different topics are covered every week. However, if you need to miss one of your sessions, please contact the relevant entity as soon as possible. Your nutritionist may be able to send you any handouts covered during the missed session via email. If you miss 3 consecutive sessions, you will be discharged from the service and need another referral if you want to attend group sessions again.

Question: After being referred to a nutritionist, how long will I have to wait to be seen?

Answer: Once referred for our service, you will be contacted by a nutritionist within three working days of the referral being made. You will be given more details about the service, together with information on the next group to commence.

Question: Do I need to bring anything with me for the group sessions?

Answer: Although handouts will be provided, bring a note pad and a pen/pencil to take notes, should you wish. Some programmes are held online via Microsoft Teams, so a computer and internet connection are required.

How to contact us

Primary HealthCare:

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate:

Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek:

  • Telephone:
  • Email:

When you visit our premises 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