Dietetic Assistant

About the Role

We are seeking a Dietetic Assistant to support our busy, hospital-based Dietetics team across the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals in Oxford. This is a vital, hands-on role that combines patient interaction, administrative duties, and coordination of nutritional products.

Whether you’re experienced or just passionate about nutrition and hospital care, this is an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic, compassionate healthcare environment. A background in human nutrition is desirable but not essential.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Support dietitians by reviewing and monitoring a small patient caseload under supervision

• Calculate nutritional intake from food records using analysis software

• Monitor tolerance and response to enteral feeding

• Liaise with nursing, catering, speech therapy, and occupational therapy teams

• Accurately document interventions in Electronic Patient Records (EPR)

• Assist patients with therapeutic menu choices and dietary advice

• Educate patients and staff on nutrition and screening tools (e.g., MUST training)

Administrative Support

• Register or update patients on the Nutricia Homeward Service

• Maintain records of feeding pumps and stock control

• Support discharge planning by coordinating nutritional supplements and feeding equipment

• Enter data, update patient activity records, and support department-wide admin

• Answer department phones and assist secretaries with general tasks

Catering & Stock Coordination

• Act as a liaison between Dietetics and Catering to ensure smooth delivery of meals, supplements, and tube feeds

• Oversee ordering, delivery, invoicing, and payment of all nutritional products

• Update and code menus for dietary accuracy, working closely with Catering, Chefs, and Suppliers

• Maintain feeding pump inventory and coordinate repairs or replacements with Clinical Engineering

Professional & Organisational

• Participate in staff induction and support training on nutrition and dietary procedures

• Assist in audits, meal satisfaction surveys, and patient mealtime observations

• Engage in ongoing learning and development through appraisal and supervision

• Collect data for internal and external reporting and audits

What We’re Looking For

• Interest in nutrition and working in a hospital setting

• Prior experience in a healthcare or administrative environment is advantageous

• Organised, flexible, and reliable with the ability to work both independently and in a team

• Strong communication skills and empathy for patients

• Basic IT skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office and data entry systems

• A qualification in human nutrition is desirable, but not essential

Why Join OUH NHS Foundation Trust?

As one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the UK, we’re committed to Delivering Compassionate Excellence. Our values—compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement, and excellence—guide everything we do. You’ll be part of a supportive and innovative team dedicated to improving patient health outcomes.