Children's Dietetics
Dietitians are highly trained professionals who are skilled at assessing, diagnosing and managing nutritional problems.
A Paediatric Dietitian has completed additional postgraduate education and training to specialise in the nutritional health and wellbeing of infants, children and young people.
The role of the Paediatric Dietitian is to advise suitable and appropriate nutrition for infants, children and young people taking into account the diverse needs of the population, such as age, child development, as well as any family cultural or religious beliefs.
We do this by assessing your child’s nutritional requirements, food and fluid intake, feeding, medical condition, and growth. We specialise in translating these individual requirements into practical dietary and feeding advice.
Who is it for?
The Children’s Nutrition & Dietetic service (Paediatric Dietetics) looks after babies, children and young people from 0 to 18.
In Cwm Taf Morgannwg we look after children with a range of health conditions including diabetes, cystic fibrosis, neonatal medicine, gastroenterology, allergies as well as complex feeding difficulties.
We see children and young people in the children’s wards, in outpatient clinics, in their own homes, and in schools. We also run a selection of group education sessions.
Your Paediatric Dietitian will work with you, a range of other healthcare professionals and anyone else involved in your child’s care, such as nursery or school staff, to support your child's health, growth and development within the bounds of their particular condition.
Children and young people are seen at the following sites:
- The Children’s Centre, Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, Mountain Ash
- Children’s outpatients, Prince Charles Hospital
- The Children’s Centre, Royal Glamorgan Hospital
- Outpatients, Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda
- The Children’s Centre, Princess of Wales Hospital
Can anyone use this service?
To access the service your child needs a referral from their consultant, GP, health visitor or another health professional they are known to.
Opening Times
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.
We are closed during Bank Holidays.
What to Expect
A paediatric dietetic clinic provides specialist nutrition advice and support for infants, children and adolescents with various dietary, medical or developmental needs. Here’s what you can generally expect:
Referral: Most children are referred to a dietetics clinic by a GP, Paediatrician or Health Visitor.
Your child will be offered an appointment at one of the locations above.
Preparation: Parents may be asked to complete food diaries prior to their appointment. It is useful if the child’s ‘Red Book’ and details of any medications or supplements they are taking can be brought to the appointment.
At the appointment:
- Growth measurement - the child’s weight, height / length will usually be measured to assess growth and nutritional status.
- Diet history - a detailed discussion about the child’s current eating and drinking habits, food preferences, allergies, intolerances, and meal patterns.
- Medical background - exploration of the child’s medical history, development, and any underlying health conditions or concerns and how this may affect their nutritional status. Nutritional status refers to a person's overall health as influenced by their intake and use of nutrients. It reflects whether their diet meets the body’s need for growth, maintenance, daily activities and wellbeing. It is assessed through factors such as weight, growth, dietary intake, blood nutrient levels, overall health indicators and client objectives or goals.
- Discussion of parental, carer or guardian concerns - parents, carers or guardians can raise any concerns for example; poor appetite, weight loss, food aversions, or managing specific medical conditions such as diabetes, coeliac disease, or allergies.
- Tailored advice - the Dietitian will provide practical and evidence-based recommendations personalised to the child’s age, condition, lifestyle and preferences.
- Education and Support - We may provide you with leaflets or a list of websites. Our aim is to support you in looking after your child and managing their condition.
Following an assessment, the plan might include:
- Discharge with advice.
- Provided with appropriate literature or leaflets.
- Referrals to other services.
- Follow up appointments.
Contact Us
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Hospital Addresses and Phone Numbers: |
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Royal Glamorgan Hospital |
Carnegie Clinic |
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Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda |
Prince Charles Hospital |
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Ysbyty Cwm Cynon |
Princess of Wales Hospital |
Admin Hub at Kier Hardie: 01685 728843
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