Allergy Dietitian

Duties and Responsibilities To lead the food challenge service, supervising/undertaking the preparation of challenge materials, supporting the clinical team undertaking the challenge and presenting patient details at MDT To undertake food allergy clinics, seeing new GP referrals for suspected food allergy, requesting allergy tests and formulating a diagnosis and management plan Provide specialist food allergy knowledge, advice, resource information and support to clinical staff across the Trust. Provide specialist advice/second opinions to other dietitians and professionals nationally and internationally. To ensure a consistent and reliable food allergy service for all through assessment of the patients history, making clinical decisions regarding diagnostic tests, interpretation of test results, and providing a dietary management plan, to include further testing or food challenges as appropriate. This should take into account any clinical co-morbidities, biochemical parameters, dietary norms, social situation, cultural or religious beliefs and relevant drug treatments. To lead in the provision of expert dietary and nutritional advice to patients, carers and clinicians using evidence-based practice or in the absence of a robust evidence-based practice, advanced clinical judgement acquired through professional expertise. To use highly advanced communication skills including active listening, empathy, emotional engagement, tact, openness, motivation and reassurance to negotiate allergy and dietetic interventions where sensitive information needs to be discussed. To translate highly complex scientific, medical, biochemical and nutritional information into simple and easily understood practical information and advice for patients and carers. To act as a patient advocate, highlighting concerns or issues to the multidisciplinary team and facilitate patient involvement in decision making at all stages of their clinical management To maintain patient records to comply with departmental standards To provide specialist advice to others involved in the care of the patient including general practitioners, and community dietitians Professional Responsibilities Freedom to act interpreting the Health and Care Professions Council code of conduct and working to all agreed standards, policies and procedures within the department and the Trust. Maintenance and improvement of knowledge about current best practice and developments in food allergy diagnosis and management, employing evidence-based practice wherever possible. Recording and reflecting on continuous professional development activities through maintenance of a personal portfolio. Attendance at academic meetings and courses as considered necessary with report back to the Allergy team Participation, including where relevant taking a lead role in MDT meetings and other key allergy department issues such as re-accreditation by the Royal College of Physicians. Writing policies and protocols for the multidisciplinary team determining patient care. To critically appraise national and international publications on food allergy To participate fully in the appraisal process and develop a strategy for continuing professional development encompassing a portfolio-based assessment in line with national legislation. Please review job description for full responsibilities.