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Free Dietitian service available through GPs
Date: 15th May 2008
GPs can make appointments for their patients to meet with professional dietitian Sarah MacAvoy for a one-hour consultation to discover how their eating habits are affecting their health, says Hauora Taranaki PHO’s manager, Pauline Cruickshank.
“Our philosophy is that prevention is better than cure,” explains Pauline.
“With more than 20% of the New Zealand population now classed as obese, Sarah’s dietary advice can help prevent our at risk patients from becoming obese and developing such ailments as diabetes. And healthy eating programmes can also help patients manage their condition.”
And the new service is already being welcomed by GPs and their patients, says dietitian Sarah MacAvoy.
“People are confused about what they should or shouldn’t be eating as there are so many mixed messages in the community,” explains Sarah.
“And a lot of people I see are also not aware of general nutrition guidelines. From one GP practice alone I have started to work with 14 people suffering from obesity, diabetes and cardio-vascular disease because GPs recognise that our eating habits are major contributors to these diseases.”
Sarah meets with patients at GP practices for an initial consultation. The consultation covers measuring their Body Mass Index, reviewing blood test results for such indicators as cholesterol, and finding out about a patient’s lifestyle and eating habits.
“We will then work out a healthy eating plan for our patients and give them information to empower them to make necessary changes to their eating habits,” explains Sarah.
“Changing these habits can often be about making little steps over time rather than trying to make radical changes. We will also book in follow up consultations with these patients to see how they are improving their eating habits.”
A Bachelor of Science and Diploma in Dietetics graduate – Sarah has nearly five years experience in the UK and New Zealand as a professional dietitian. Her most recent role was as a dietitian in the Christchurch Diabetes Centre.
“Skilled dietitians are very rare so we are extremely fortunate to have found Sarah,” says Pauline Cruickshank.
“This free service is funded by Hauora Taranaki PHO’s Chronic Care Management Programme which aims to improve patient access to specialists to help them with their chronic condition.”
Sarah will be available for appointments at the 18 medical practices right around Taranaki that are affiliated with Hauora Taranaki PHO. In addition, Sarah will be visiting Patea and Waverley as part of Hauora’s mobile health bus service.
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