Jill, can you tell us about a little bit about you? I qualified from Glasgow Caledonia University in 1994. This was the older style BSc qualification where studies were mainly campus based with a fourth year of 36 weeks on clinical placement. My placement was in The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh when it was still located on Lauriston Place. After graduation, I was lucky enough to work as a Basic Grade Rotational Dietitian at the RIE, where I stayed for 3 years before setting off for a Senior II post in Medway Maritime Hospital, Kent. I quickly jumped hospitals when a Senior I post came up in Maidstone Hospital, followed by a year lecturing in Nutrition at the British Colleague of Osteopathic and Naturopathic Medicine in London. I worked for 7 years in England before returning to Scotland to join NHS Highland in 2002, where I have remained for the last 22 years, based between the Isle of Skye and Ross-shire in the Highlands as a Community Dietitian.
Jill, why did you want to be a Dietitian?
I was very much moved by the 1980s Ethiopia famine, one of the worst humanitarian events of the 20th century, galvanising the world’s attention to end widespread starvation and save lives. I was a first year pupil at Alness Academy when this disaster hit the news, and it was pivotal in determining my future career choice, although I became a specialist in disease related malnutrition as opposed to starvation related malnutrition in the end.
Jill, what is your current role in NHS Highland?
I am the Lead Dietitian for Care Homes and Care at Home in my current role which is an exciting phase of my career and will hopefully take me through to my retirement (whenever that may be!).
Jill, what does a typical day look like for you?
A diverse range of activities, ranging from delivering training to assessing people identified at risk of malnutrition using the MUST. I have a weekly general outpatient clinic and love developing educational resources. I have just self published a colouring-in book on Fruit and Vegetables on Amazon (plug plug). I am also on the Scottish Improvement Leader Programme (ScIL) completing a quality improvement project on care homes.
Jill, what’s the most inspiring part of your role?
I am inspired to deliver the best care, supporting patients when they most need Dietetic input in a climate where we simply don’t have adequate staffing. I don’t know why there are so few Dietitians in the NHS! This leads to many ‘thought experiments’ on practical ways of working and I liaise with Dietetic colleagues all over the UK, comparing practice and working together with a shared goal of making a positive difference to lives.
Jill, what advice would you offer other Dietitians who are working in the Community?
Work life balance is key; it is really easy to become entangled with all the competing priorities we face every day. Life is meant to be enjoyable, don’t go home stressed out after a hard day, try and make work fun for you and your patients (where appropriate!).
Jill, where can people with lived experience find out more about your role as Dietitan?
The British Dietetic Association www.bda.uk.com has wonderful resources for patients to download or print and information on the role of a Dietitian.
You can also find helpful resources here
A dietitian postcard here
Tips for eating and drinking here
Connecting You to Support: Living well with Dementia here