Dietetics & Nutrition for Cancer

Dietitians are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and public health level. All Dietitians working in CUH are state registered by CORU. Registration ensures that all Dietitians follow a code of professional conduct and ethics and that we all undertake continuing professional development thereby keeping our skills up to date.

At CUH, a team of Oncology Dietitians use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate into practical information to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices to help them through cancer treatment. This includes managing the side effects of cancer treatment including nausea and vomiting, taste changes, fatigue, constipation and diarrhoea, food safety advice.

The Dietitians cover inpatients and outpatients which includes the Dunmanway Day Unit and the Glandore Unit. If you think you would benefit from Dietetic advice and have not been referred to a Dietitian please speak with your consultant or nurse who can refer you to our service. We aim to see patients while they attend their appointment at the Dunmanway Day Unit or the Glandore Unit to reduce the amount of time you spend at appointments. However, this is not always possible and if we cannot see you face to face we will telephone you.

The Oncology Dietetic team is made up of 5 Dietitians and therefore you may not always be reviewed by the same Dietitian. We do not have a direct contact number but, once you have been assessed by a Dietitian you will be provided with written information which includes how to contact a Dietitian.

We prioritise patients who are struggling with side effects of cancer treatment and losing weight, if you are referred for other reasons, such as weight loss advice, you may be referred to the community Dietitians to manage your dietetic care.

Also, if you have no further upcoming appointments at CUH at the time you are referred to a Dietitian you will be handed over to the community Dietitians for long term Dietetic follow up