Dietetics is the science of how food and nutrition affect health. Dietetics services in a hospital help to put together diets for patients that are tailored to their individual needs, as well as helping them learn about healthy eating and making sure they receive the right kind of meals when they are staying in hospital. Dietetic professionals also may advise on nutrition management of more chronic conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease or cancer. As part of their job, they will assess nutritional status, provide education to patients and their relatives, and create meal plans that meet the patient’s specific dietary requirements. Dietetic services are essential in hospitals because they help ensure that patients receive adequate nutrition adapted to their condition to improve their quality of life.
The three Blackrock Health hospitals share a history of excellence in the field of gastroenterology. Our team of experts is highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of digestive disorders. We can provide dietary education, advice, and preventative actions to help improve your gut health. This can include recommendations for a balanced diet, avoiding trigger foods, and making lifestyle changes to prevent gut issues. By providing you with this guidance, Blackrock Health can help you manage current symptoms and prevent future problems.
Dietitians are part of a multidisciplinary team
Our Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition department is made up of Registered Dietitians who help to manage and treat a variety of nutritional and medical concerns. Our experts are on hand to assist patients with their nutrition, targeting conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Who we treat
We work with people who are nutritionally at risk or malnourished, as well as those with dietary requirements.
Some of the key areas our team works across include:
- bariatric
- cardiology
- coeliac disease
- critical care
- endocrinology
- gastroenterology
- haematology
- nephrology
- neurology
- oncology
- orthopaedics
- surgery
Here are some of the specialist dietetic services available to our patients:
Diabetes Clinic
Our dietetics team assists with the care of patients with diabetes.
We can help empower patients to self-manage diabetes. We do this through education, ongoing team support and, where necessary, medical intervention.
We deliver structured sessions that enable patients with diabetes to adjust to a healthy, manageable lifestyle.
Diet and Cancer Clinic at Blackrock Clinic
The Diet and Cancer clinic is a dietitian-led service and is for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, is undergoing treatment, or is in recovery.
The aim of this clinic is to ensure optimum nutrition for people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatments. Side effects caused by cancer or its treatment can often make eating a difficult task. You may be experiencing symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- GI symptoms such as constipation and /or diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Sore/dry mouth
- Swallowing issues
- Taste and smell changes
- Weight loss
Our aim is to investigate your specific dietary needs and to provide clear evidence-based information on diet and cancer. We are here to help you take back control of your diet and to help you to use nutrition to alleviate unwanted symptoms. A cancer diagnosis brings a lot of questions about nutrition and diet.
With all the conflicting dietary information surrounding us, it can be difficult to separate the hype from the facts, however, your dietitian will help you to navigate this and will offer you tailored advice based on your needs and goals and the latest dietary guidelines.
How it works - consultations will be individually tailored with the initial consultation taking 60 minutes and costing €135, and follow-up sessions taking 30 minutes at a cost of €80. An initial and review 'bundle' is available at €190.
You will also be provided with evidence-based written information and resources. Patients can self-refer for this service.
Please contact dietitian Emer O'Driscoll on 01 206 4364 for further information.
Female Health and Nutrition for Fertility at Blackrock Clinic
Female Health
This programme was created by senior dietitian Emer O’Driscoll. Emer is passionate about women’s health and female hormones. Nutrition plays an important role at all stages of a female’s life however there are times where nutrition plays a key role in symptom management of hormonal conditions. Emer is a PCOS Collective certified dietitian and provides a weight-inclusive approach.
Emer provides nutrition and lifestyle solutions to support and manage your symptoms of:
- PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
- Endometriosis
- Menopause
- PMS
- Hypothalamic amenorrhoea
Nutrition and Fertility
Nutritional status plays a key role in fertility. There are key nutrients for egg health and sperm health, which contribute to an embryo to create pregnancy and grow your baby. Emer is a Nutrition Plus Certified Fertility Dietitian and provides a weight inclusive, evidence based approach with her clients. Whether you are only starting to consider becoming pregnant, you are suffering from hormonal conditions, previous miscarriages, assisted fertility cycles, trying to get pregnant post bariatric surgery; Emer can help with your nutrition at each stage of your fertility journey.
Emer can help with:
- Optimising egg health
- Optimising sperm health
- Regulate ovulatory cycles
- Analysing fertility nutrition bloodwork
- Advice on specific supplementation requirements
- Optimising chances of getting pregnant
Packages and Pricing:
- Initial and review consultation
- This consultation consists of a one-hour initial consultation followed by a 30-minute review
- €190
- 4 session Package
- This consultation consists of an initial one-hour session with three follow-up appointments lasting approximately 30 minutes each
- €330
You can self-refer for this service.
Appointments can be in person or virtual due to your preference.
You can claim back a portion of the programme cost from your health insurer. You should contact your insurer for further information as the amount you can claim will depend on your plan.
Phone 01 2064364 if you would like to book a place.
Gut Health Clinic at Blackrock Clinic
Welcome to the Gut Health Clinic at Blackrock Health, a specialised dietetic-led clinic dedicated to assisting people who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders.
Understanding the vital role nutrition plays in maintaining a healthy gut and managing digestive conditions, we empathise with the distressing and debilitating nature of gut symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, altered bowel habits, reflux and nausea. Our clinic focuses on evidence-based interventions to help you identify your symptom triggers, with the ultimate goal of enhancing your well-being and happiness.
Follow this link for more information: Gut Health Clinic
The Succeed Programme at Blackrock Clinic
- Are you tired of dieting?
- Are you tired of obsessing over food?
- Are you sick of restricting and feeling out of control with food?
- Do you spend all of your time worrying about food and your body?
If so, you’ve come to the right place! Follow the link to find out more: The Succeed Programme
Inpatient care
Any inpatient can be seen by our dietitian if needed. A consultant may refer you or you may be automatically referred following an assessment when you're admitted. A malnutrition assessment can occur if a patient presents with symptoms or vital signs that suggest they may be malnourished.
Once referred, the dietitian will see you on the ward. They'll assess you and discuss a treatment plan.
You may need a follow-up appointment after you've been discharged. If so, the dietitian will refer you to the most appropriate service.
How do I get this?
You can self refer for dietetic services or alternatively be referred via your GP or consultant with a referral letter.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
