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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 patients with 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 patients unable to eat
  • Working closely with the Speech Pathologist in the provision of texture modified diets for patients 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 patients are encouraged to attend. Patients 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 patients or families wish to do so.

    This page last updated: October 2007
    Review date: October 2008