What is a Dietitian?

Dietitians are registered health practitioners who evaluate scientific evidence about food and nutrition, and translate it into practical strategies. New Zealand dietitians work in partnership with individuals, whānau, communities and populations, in states of health and disease, to support optimal health and well-being.

Dietitians use their dietetic knowledge, skill and judgement in a variety of contexts, which includes promoting and protecting public health, directing and delivering medical nutrition therapy services, and managing food and health systems.

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand - Waitematā dietitians are part of multidisciplinary teams within Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā and work with adults and children, alongside their family/ whānau/ caregivers, who require nutrition input related to medical and surgical treatments and/ or management of chronic conditions. 

What will the Dietitian do?

The dietitian will ask lots of questions to help fully assess a person's nutritional needs in the context of the presenting concern/condition, as well as a holistic overview that includes the person as a whole. They will make specific recommendations as part of the person’s treatment plan. The dietitian will work with the person and their family to achieve their goals and offer nutrition education and follow up care as required.

Adult Inpatient Services – Please note: GP Referrals are not accepted to this service

Inpatient dietitians see people who require nutrition input while they are admitted to North Shore and Waitakere hospitals or the Mason Clinic. There are a number of reasons a person may be referred to the dietitian including unintentional weight loss or malnutrition, chronic wounds, tube feeding, liver failure, and gastrointestinal surgery.

Adult Outpatient Services - GP Referrals are accepted to this service

Some people require ongoing nutrition input either in the community or after they are discharged from hospital. One or more clinic appointments with the dietitian may be appropriate. A variety of clinics are offered, including the following specialist areas: gastrointestinal issues, allergies, intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease, malnutrition, general weight management (please note a Health at Every Size approach with behaviour modification for positive relationships with food is offered via group sessions), bariatric surgery (via Surgical Services Bariatric Service for weight loss), general surgery, and renal. Clinics are available at North Shore and Waitakere hospitals, and Hibiscus Coast Community Centre. Appointments may be conducted in-person or using Telehealth such as videoconference call or telephone.

Renal Outpatient Clinic – Please note: GP Referrals are not accepted to this service

If a person has kidney disease they may be referred to a renal dietitian who works as part of the Renal Team. The person will be seen in an outpatient clinic or on the haemodialysis unit at North Shore or Waitakere hospitals.  We aim to link our clinic appointments with the renal doctors when able. People will also be followed up routinely on peritoneal dialysis.

Food can play an important role in keeping healthy when you have kidney disease.  There is not one renal diet for everyone. The dietitian will assess the person's needs and provide them with specific information as required. 

Diabetes Outpatient Clinic - GP Referrals are accepted to this service

Diabetes Specialist Dietitians work within Diabetes Specialist Teams including Diabetes Maternity and Diabetes Māori Teams to work with patients to assist them in their dietary management of Type 1 diabetes, including insulin and insulin pump management,  Type 2 diabetes and Gestational diabetes. Please refer to the Diabetes Referral process on Healthpoint for further information click here

Note: For further information about:

• Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā Dietetic - Adult Community Services please click here.
• Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā Dietetic - Paediatric Services, please click here.
• Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā - Diabetes Services, please click here.