My dietetics appointment

We have received your referral to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, and you are now on the waiting list for a Dietetics appointment. This resource covers:

• Information you will need for your appointment
• What to expect from your appointment

What do I need for my appointment?

During the appointment, the dietitian may wish to discuss foods and drinks that your child is offered and will eat at home, school, childminders, and so on. It is useful to have this information in advance of the appointment. It is also helpful if you can bring any multi-vitamins your child may be taking.

If you have any questions or need support before your appointment, you can contact us on 0114 271 7212.

Where is my appointment?

Clinics take place at Centenary House, the Northern General Hospital and Sheffield Children’s Hospital main site. For travel information click on the links below:

• Centenary House
• Northern General Children’s Outpatients
• Sheffield Children’s Hospital Outpatients

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time.

How long will my appointment be?

The first appointment is usually 30 minutes but can be up to 60 minutes in some cases, follow-up appointments are up to 30 minutes.

What will happen when we arrive?

An appointment in person

If your child has a face-to-face appointment the receptionist will check your details are correct, including address and telephone number or where available, you can check in and confirm your details on one of our media screens.

While you wait, there should be toys and activities to keep your child occupied. If you need any support in the waiting room, please let somebody know.

A support worker will measure your child’s height and weight before your appointment with the dietitian.

A telephone appointment

If your child has a telephone appointment, the dietitian will call you at or near the time of the appointment, please allow 30 minutes either side of your appointment time.

Please make sure you are somewhere quiet and able to concentrate as the dietitian will not carry out the appointment if you are driving.

It is not always essential that your child is present for telephone appointments.

What should we expect in the appointment?

The dietitian will take a detailed history about your child. The focus will be on their relevant medical history and related dietary problems.

If there is information that you want to share without your child present, please tell us.

At the end of the appointment, the dietitian will agree a plan with you to best support your child’s dietary needs.

Some children will need investigations or a referral to other services for further support.

What happens after the appointment?

After the appointment, we will post a letter to you, your GP and other professionals.