Student-run dietetics clinic to offer free nutritional advice

A new student-run dietetics clinic at Oxford Brookes University will soon begin offering free nutritional advice to members of the public.

The pilot clinic will open its virtual doors next month, with final year dietetics students providing expert support to clients across Oxfordshire and beyond.

The initiative has been developed by students as part of their Practice Placement module for the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) programme. All students will already have completed placements in community and/or hospital settings and other healthcare services.

Beth Leach, Lecturer in Dietetics and Nutrition and lead for the Practice Placement module, said: “As part of this module, students are designing and delivering the clinic themselves. They are involved in every stage, from marketing and recruiting clients to providing nutritional support and advice.”

The clinic will offer free one-hour online appointments for people seeking help with a range of dietary concerns, including women’s health, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular and metabolic health, weight management, neurological conditions and renal health.

Beth said: “We will ask prospective clients to complete screening forms so we can assess whether their needs are within the scope of the clinic and suitable for our students to support. If not, we will signpost them to their GP or another appropriate service. If we can help, appointments will be arranged with a pair of students under the supervision of registered and experienced dietitians.”

Dr Vasiliki Iatridi, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics and MSc Dietetics Course Lead, said: “Designing and delivering this clinic is an excellent experience for our students before they begin their careers. It also demonstrates how Oxford Brookes is giving back to the community by offering this service free of charge. We hope it will make dietetic advice more accessible to people who may otherwise have limited access to support.”

Beth added: “Every final-year dietetics student will have the opportunity to practise in the clinic and gain first-hand experience of how a freelance dietitian works in real life. It is part of our commitment to giving students the skills and experience needed for their future careers.”
The course team plans to run the clinic again next year to support the University’s commitment to supporting students as they prepare for their careers and providing a positive service for the Oxfordshire community. 
Oxford Brookes University students already runs several clinics and support services for the local community, including physiotherapy, Citizens’ Advice and a law clinic.
The Oxford Brookes University Virtual Student Dietetic Clinic is offered as part of the Nutrition and Dietetics portfolio, which includes the BSc Nutrition, MSc Nutrition, MSc Dietetics, as well as nutrition-related CPD and short courses. 

Find out more on the  Oxford Brookes University Virtual Student Dietetic Clinic web page