Frequently asked questions

 

What information about nutrition and dietetics is available for patients?

The department publishes a number of useful leaflets and sheets which will be offered to you or can be requested from your dietitian as is appropriate to your care. It also has access to information published by other organisations. If you have other communication requirements, please let our staff know.

 

 

 

Which wards of the hospital receive dietetic services?

Every ward has an allocated dietitian responsible for all dietetic services to that area.

 

 

 

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

Once referred to a dietitian by a member of the ward staff, we aim to see you within one working day of the referral being made.

 

 

 

What if I need dietary advice at the weekend?

An inpatient emergency on-call advisory service is available at weekends.

 

 

 

How will I recognise my dietitian when they arrive on the ward?

All of the qualified Addenbrooke’s dietitians wear black or navy trousers or skirts and a purple collared short or long-sleeved shirt. An Addenbrooke’s ID badge is worn at all times and the dietitian will introduce themselves.

 

FAQs about outpatient services

 

What should I do if I can't attend my Nutrition and Dietetics outpatient appointment for any reason?

If you need to change your nutrition and dietetics outpatient appointment, please contact us as soon as possible. This will enable us to offer your slot to another patient. If you do not attend your appointment and have not contacted out office to let us know you are unable to attend you will be discharged from the clinic and need another referral if you want to be seen again.

 

 

 

Do I need to bring anything else to an outpatient Nutrition and Dietetics appointment?

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 a return outpatient 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 you are taking.

 

 

 

What do I need to do when I arrive at the Nutrition and Dietetics Outpatient Department?

When you arrive at the Nutrition and Dietetics Outpatient Department, please go in and take a seat in the waiting area until your dietitian is ready to see you.

 

 

Will I be seen at the time of my appointment?

All patients are sent or given timed appointments which the dietitian will try very hard to keep. We aim to see people at their appointment time.

 

 

 

For how long does a Nutrition and Dietetics appointment last?

A first appointment with the dietitian will last for approximately 30 minutes and follow-up appointments vary from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on what you have been referred for.

 

 

 

How many treatment sessions will I need?

At your first appointment, your dietitian will assess you carefully which is why this visit will take longer. The requirement for follow-up appointments will be discussed and agreed between you and your dietitian.

 

 

 

What should I do if I have further problems after I have been discharged from the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics?

 

If you have any related health problems within six months after you stopped attending the department for treatment, please contact the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at Addenbrooke’s and we may be able to offer you a further appointment then. If it has been longer than six months, you might need to be re-referred by your doctor.

 

 

 

What are the typical waiting times for outpatient appointments?

Outpatient waiting times are usually no greater than eight weeks for the general outpatient clinic, weight reducing clinic, gastroenterology clinics, and the general paediatric clinic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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