Assistant Director of Dietetics
Department of Health - EThekwini South Africa
Total years of experience :16 years, 3 Months
Key Responsibilities:
• Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate the Integrated Nutrition Program for the Ethekwini Metropolitan, KZN
• Manage both financial and human resources to ensure optimal provision of nutrition services and support the optimal functioning of the nutrition program
• Support the development, situational adaptation and implementation of national, provincial, and district standard operation procedures and guidelines
• Collaborate and coordinate the integrated nutrition program with other sectors, programs, stakeholders, and partners to enable optimal and appropriate implementation of nutrition interventions
• Analyse statistical data and indicators to review performance, monitor and evaluate the state of nutrition and health practices in the district, institute remedial action and report thereon
• Input into district and provincial reports, reviews, and presentations
• Facilitate and coordinate district and provincial trainings for multiple sectors, and cadres of staff
• Coordinate health awareness campaigns and events to promote public health and wellness
• Facilitate and coordinate research projects in order to provide the basis for evidence-based decision making
• Supported and implemented covid-19 pandemic survival strategies including coordinating multiple sectors to establish a remote community covid-19 testing site, community testing and screening, as well as district planning and reporting
KCH is a specialist hospital for neurologically impaired paediatric patients. My responsibilities and achievements here included:
• Established dietetic services at a new institution
• Work with NGO’s in establishing the department and assisting with any other nutritional needs/advice/education required
• Conduct assessments, health education and supplementation of patients as required
• Attend and participate in trans-disciplinary assessment/management clinic days (neuropsychology, neuro-genetics, CP, palliative care, Problem Rounds)
• Develop, and participate in outreach community programs
• Assist both provincial and district offices with projects and training e.g. Mother and Baby Friendly Initiative (MBFI)
• General administrative duties required in a functioning dietetics department
• Assist with health awareness/wellness day’s and programs
• Develop and implement a staff wellness program
Key responsibilities:
• Worked alone in the department for approximately 2 years in a 450 bed hospital so completed all associated administrative duties such as meetings, trainings, policy development, quality improvement programs, and research.
• Nutritional assessment of inpatients with appropriate treatment/management i.e. supplementation with oral, enteral or parenteral feeds and/or nutrition education if required
• Assessment of out-patents with appropriate management e.g. counselling, education, supplementation if necessary and regular followed up as required
• Provided nutritional support for the food service kitchen
• Assisted with the implementation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) / Mother and Baby Friendly Initiative (MBFI)
• Assisted with lecturing on nutrition associated topics at Nursing College
• Mentored student dieticians/interns from UKZN
• One on one and group nutrition counselling for disease specific conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, infant feeding