Dietetics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

What do dietitians do?

Dietitians are the experts in food and nutrition advice.

How can we help?

Conducting nutritional assessments on individuals

Assisting in the provision of therapeutic diets

Assisting in the provision of culturally appropriate diets

Dietary counselling and education

Helping to improve meal variety

Nutrition support for people who have poor appetites, nausea, increased nutritional requirements, pressure areas etc

Weight control advice

Adjusting diet to optimise bowel function

Calculation and provision of tube feed regimes for people unable to eat

Working closely with the Speech Pathologist in the provision of texture modified diets for people with swallowing difficulties

Meal Provision in the Spinal Injuries Unit

The meal service in the SIU is a bistro style service. Patients generally have a trayed breakfast in bed to allow time for provision of morning nursing cares. There is a communal dining room which everyone is encouraged to attend. People unable to attend the dining room are provided with a trayed meal at their bedside. The kitchen provides regular chef’s specials and barbeques to help improve variety.

Facilities are available in the SIU for the storage and preparation of food if people with spinal cord injury or their families wish to do so.

This page last updated: April 2009
Review date: April 2010

Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service

Dietetics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

What do dietitians do?

How can we help?

Meal Provision in the Spinal Injuries Unit