• A dietitian is a health professional who applies knowledge of nutrition in order to promote health, prevent disease and aid in the treatment of illnesses.
• The dietitian assesses the nutritional status of patients, advises on the appropriate therapeutic diets or feeding regimens and monitors and instigates appropriate changes in their nutritional care plan as necessary.
• The dietetics department works within the multi-disciplinary team hospital framework to provide in-patient services for Mercy University Hospital.
• The department also liaises with the catering department in the planning and provision of therapeutic diets for the hospital menu.
• As experts in the field of clinical nutrition, members of the department are responsible for updating medical, nursing, catering staff, and other health professionals involved in patient care, on matters relating to clinical nutrition.

• Dietitians are involved in the treatment of patients under various specialities including Oncology, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Care of the Elderly, Critical Care, Paediatrics, Medicine and Surgery. We also provide a dietetic service to St. Michael’s Psychiatric Unit.
• Patients may be referred for any number of diet-related conditions, some of which include diabetes, obesity, raised cholesterol, coeliac disease, stroke, food allergies, malnutrition, Crohns disease and eating disorders. These patients are assessed and provided with an individualised meal plan and information relevant to their condition. Surgical patients may also be referred for nutrition advice pre- or post surgery. Dietitians are also involved in the assessment and management of patients who require artificial nutrition support, such as tube feeding or intravenous feeding.
• As a clinical department, the aim is to provide a high quality, patient-centred service to all patients who are referred for nutritional advice. This is achieved through developing patient resources, performing ongoing audits and through the use of evidence-based practice.
• The dietetic department is a highly dedicated team, all of whom hold membership with the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) and are trained to degree or masters level.

Only patients referred by MUH hospital consultants will be seen by the dietitians.

 

When you have been discharged home, you may need to be referred to a community dietician who will continue to monitor your progress.

The department takes two dietetic students from Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) / Trinity College each year for three weeks of their clinical placement.

 

We also take two undergraduate students each year for their work placement.

 

The department offers a limited number of work shadowing places for those interested in pursuing a career as a dietitian.  Priority is given to those applying for third level courses that require evidence of work experience.  Unfortunately, it is not possible to accommodate all requests due to high levels of demand and ongoing department commitments to undergraduate student training and other placements.  It is recommended that those interested in a career in dietetics also visit the websites listed in Useful Resources.

8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.

We are located behind the main hospital building at No. 2 Thomas Street.

Postal address:  Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Mercy University Hospital, Grenville Place, Cork T12 WE28

 

Clerical support is available on Monday - Friday mornings only.  Please leave a message on the answering machine if calling outside of these hours and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

 

Phone:  021-493 5417

Alternatively, the hospital switchboard can be contacted on 021-427 1971 and ask for the dietitian to be bleeped.

 

Fax:  021-427 6341

 

E-mail:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute -  www.indi.ie

 

The Association of UK Dietitians - www.bda.uk.com

 

American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics -  www.eatright.org

 

Irish Department of Health - www.health.gov.ie

 

Health Service Executive (HSE) Health Promotion - www.healthpromotion.ie