Professional Development

The department has a well-established appraisal system and is committed to professional development. The department has regular educational meetings, and has several working groups covering the main chronic disease areas, resource and policy development.  3 staff have been nationally recognized with awards for their  work.

Many members of the Department are involved with national nutrition and dietetic groups and activities, for example
* BDA National Dietetic Managers committee
* BDA Paediatric Group committee
* Community Nutrition Group
* Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Group
* Multicultural Nutrition Group
* UK Heart Health and Thoracic Dietitians

Undergraduate Training

Five students (three A block, two B block) attend clinical placements annually   Nutrition and dietetic training is provided nationally at present and so they come from all over the UK.   Local Institutes of Higher Education who provide nutrition and dietetic courses are London Metropolitan University (formerly University of North London), Kings College and Surrey University. 
 
Post graduate training

There is a commitment to professional development within the department and some dietitians are  undertaking postgraduate courses. Two dietitians have Diplomas in Management, two dietitians have completed an  MSc. Dietetic specific courses are also encouraged and dietitians have recently attended the British Dietetic Association accredited paediatric course and parenteral and enteral nutrition group (PENG) course.   Staff provide a varied annual program of specialist nutritional training in line with National Service Frameworks to nurses, health visitors and Allied health professionals.