Employment of dieticians
The Minister reported six dietician posts in five health board hospitals; many other facilities lack dedicated posts, though some catering officers may hold dietetics qualifications.
asked the Minister for Health the number of health board hospitals and community care areas where dieticians are (a) employed and (b) not employed.
Comment on this
There are six posts of dietician in five health board hospitals. While there are no posts of dietician, as such, in other health board hospitals, some persons employed as hospital catering officers may possess the Diploma in Dietetics but I cannot say how many there are.
There are approximately 180 health board hospitals and residential homes. These include regional and county hospitals, district hospitals, psychiatric hospitals and homes for the elderly and chronic sick. Many of them would not require the full time services of a dietician. I accept that the position generally is not satisfactory and I intend to take it up with the health boards in the immediate future. Dieticians are not at present employed in the community care areas. My Department are at present examining a report on this aspect of the service.