Dietitians

A dietitian or dietician is a health professional who is qualified to give information on all aspects of nutrition, diet and other areas to help you stay healthy and manage illness.

You can visit a dietitian in a hospital (as an in-patient or outpatient) or in the community (at a clinic or in a care centre).

Your dietitian will try to find out if your diet and lifestyle are causing or contributing to the health issue you are experiencing. Your dietitian may:

• Take measurements like your height, weight and, sometimes, your waist
• Ask you about your usual diet, lifestyle, medical history, experiences and feelings about food and weight issues
• Help you to plan changes and set goals to improve your diet and overall health.

A dietitian can help with many different health issues, for example, anaemia, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, an eating disorder, swallowing problems, weight issues (overweight or underweight) and constipation.

You can be referred to a dietitian by your GP (family) doctor, nurse or other health professional. You may also be able to refer yourself directly to a dietitian.

Contact your Local Health Office or health centre for more information and to check if there is a dietitian service available in your area

How to find a dietitian

You can check the CORU register to find a registered dietitian in your area.

The Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute is the professional organisation for dietitians in Ireland. It provides a facility to 'Find a Dietitian' on its website.

If you are referred, you may be able to get dietetic services for free through the public health service. Depending on your local area, there may be waiting lists and limited availability of a dietitian.

If you go to a dietitian as a private patient, you will be charged for the service. You may be able to get some money back if you have private health insurance and claim tax relief for medical expenses.

Dietitians are regulated and registered by CORU, the Health and Social Care Professionals Council.

The HSE run community cooking classes in your community where you can learn how to:

• Plan shopping and meals within your budget
• Cook simple yet tasty meals
• Know the different nutrients in food that can improve your health
• Use the food pyramid to plan meals
• Read and understand food labels

The HSE website has information on Dietitian support for children with a disability.