Dietitian/Clinical Nutrition Services
Western Health offers a variety of nutrition services throughout the region to assist individuals in enhancing their quality of life and achieving good health. Western Health employs Registered Dietitians working in a wide variety of roles promoting and supporting optimal health and nutrition for the residents of Western Newfoundland.
Western Health currently employs clinical dietitians who provide services to children and adults while in hospital and as outpatients. Dietitians provide general information on healthy eating and the importance of nutrition in helping to maintain a healthy body and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Residents of Western Newfoundland can receive support and education related to a variety of health concerns including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and kidney disease. Dietitian services are also available to residents of long term care facilities and personal care homes.
There are two Regional Nutritionists Western Health. The Regional Nutritionists identify existing trends and issues in healthy eating through study and analysis of current research, best practices, health information and community needs assessment and ensure the development, implementation and evaluation of regional healthy eating programs within a population health and community development framework to meet the needs of the population and are aligned with organizational and provincial priorities. The Regional Nutritionists provide leadership and consultation to the staff of Western Health, other professionals, community organizations and the general public regarding healthy eating with a health promotion focus.
For more information about the healthy eating programs supported by the Regional Nutritionists at Western Health see:
Prenatal-School Age
Post-Secondary-Seniors
Registered Dietitians have completed a university degree specializing in food and nutrition and must also complete practical training (dietetic internship) before being eligible to write a national certification exam. Upon successful completion of the certification exam, dietitians must register with a provincial regulatory body. Regulatory bodies act in the best interest of the public by ensuring standards of practice are met and maintained by each member. Registration with a regulatory body is mandatory to use the title of “Dietitian” or “Registered Dietitian”. Dietitians employed by Western Health must be registered members with the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Dietitians (NLCD).
For additional information see:
Newfoundland and Labrador College of Dietitians