#AHPsDay: My role by Sandra Griffiths
We thank Sandra for taking the time to write this blog - the first in a series of six to mark this year's #AHPsDay - and for helping to shine a light on the varied roles and responsibilities of our talented #AHPCommunity colleagues.
Written by Sandra Griffiths, specialist maternity dietitian
I’m one of the few dietitians in the country to have all my time dedicated to providing a service to pregnant women. This is incredibly noteworthy because of the strong scientific evidence that shows how living and eating well can affect the health outcomes of mothers and future generations.
I was especially drawn to this role because my passion lies in the prevention of disease. I spent a few years in the acute setting, often seeing patients for whom discussing healthy living was very far from being the priority, instead, the role was focused on getting them well enough for discharge. Now I have the opportunity for discussions where we plan for a healthier future.
I run three different types of clinics: a 1-1 high-risk maternal obesity clinic, a newly diagnosed gestational diabetes group clinic and a general 1-1 clinic for patients living with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes.
As you can imagine, discovering you have gestational diabetes, or that your pregnancy is at high risk of complications, can be incredibly upsetting. My role is not only focused on delivering patient-centred care and dietary advice, but also on being reassuring and compassionate.
When women realise they will not be told off but are listened to and provided with a safe space to share their opinions and concerns, a therapeutic relationship often quickly forms and I get to witness some real positive changes.