BDA Press Centre
18 June 2010
Leading Annual Conference to take on Malnutrition
The British Dietetic Association’s Annual Conference will this year take place:
22-24 June 2010, Macdonald Highland Resort, Aviemore, Scotland
This year’s conference will take place with the theme being Food, Feeding and Malnutrition, which is also the British Dietetic Association (BDA) Chairman’s theme for 2010/11. It is estimated that malnutrition in the UK alone costs the economy £13 billion every year.
The annual event attracts a high number of dietitian attendees and external interested parties who come together to listen to and discuss a whole range of issues. The event also showcases the fact that dietitians are leaders in the delivery of nutritional care and pivotal to the implementation of the nutrition and quality of care agenda.
A number of keynote speakers will be presenting at the event, including the Chief Nursing Officer in Scotland, Ros Moore, who will outline the current challenges in healthcare. Karen Wilson, Senior Policy Lead (Effective Care) at the Care Quality Commission, will also be outlining the importance of nutrition in care.
Speaking about the conference, Helen Davidson, BDA Chairman, said:
“The BDA Annual Conference is a major date in dietitians’ diaries across the UK and always attracts the top speakers in the fields we address. Indeed, the conference is seen as a leader in the topics presented on and discussed.
“As Chairman of the BDA, my theme for 2010/11 is Food and Malnutrition. I am absolutely thrilled that this topic has also been chosen to be the theme of the conference.
“Malnutrition is an issue of real concern that has yet to be fully addressed. It is astounding, for example, that around a third of all adults admitted to hospitals and other care settings suffer from malnutrition.
“I look forward to the conference and I also look forward to listening to the many debates on this issue.”
The full agenda of speakers at the conference and more details of the event can be found at www.bdaconference.com .
The notes to the Editor section outlines award winners to be announced at this event.
ENDS
For more information/interview requests, please contact the BDA Press Office on 0870 850 2517
Notes to the Editor:
- The British Dietetic Association, founded in 1936, is the professional association for registered dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the nation’s largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals with over 6,000 members.
- Registered dietitians are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level. Uniquely, dietitians use the most up to date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease, which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.
- Dietitians are the only nutrition professionals to be statutorily regulated, and governed by an ethical code, to ensure that they always work to the highest standard. Dietitians work in the NHS, private practice, industry, education, research, sport, media, public relations, publishing, Non Government Organisations and government. Their advice influences food and health policy across the spectrum from government, local communities and individuals.
- The BDA holds its Annual Awards Dinner during the conference and the winners for 2010 have been announced ahead of the event. The winners include:
Ibex Award (for significant contribution to the dietetic profession):
- Muriel Gall (Darent Valley Hospital, Kent – for her significant work in the UK and overseas)
- Susan Stocker (University of Wales, Institute of Cardiff – for her work in the education and training of dietitians and being part of the team introducing new student placement systems in Wales)
- Nia Williams (Conwy County Borough Council – she has made a significant contribution to dietetics promotion in schools, wider education settings and the community)
Rose Simmonds Award (for a dietitian’s published scientific work):
- Dr. Christine Weekes (St. Guy’s and St Thomas Hospital – for her published work on using a dietitian’s expertise in helping those with a lung disease build their weight up)
Dame Barbara Clayton Award (a £1,500 award recognising where a dietetic service has demonstrated innovation or new ways of working):
- Rebecca Walker (Hampstead Royal Free Hospital – for her partnership working resulting in local renal dietitians initiating the adjustment of phosphate binder and vitamin D therapy prescribed to patients with Chronic Kidney Disease)
Elizabeth Washington Award (for a dietitian’s published educational work):
- Caroline King (Hammersmith Hospital – for her Weaning Your Premature Baby publication, which was published by the charity Bliss)
Research Award (a £1,000 award to undertake work on a research project):
- Elizabeth Roberts (NHS Somerset – to explore elements of the care pathway and management of stroke patients with dysphagia (swallowing problems)
Research Bursary Award (a £16,000 bursary, supported by The Sugar Bureau, for a dietitian to undertake a piece of nutrition-based research):
- Heidi Staudacher (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London – for her pending research on the affects of some carbohydrates on those with irritable bowel syndrome )
Honorary Associate Award (This invitation comes from the BDA Council which, on behalf of its membership, shows its appreciation of an individual’s work in the field of nutritional care):
- Dr. Alastair McKinlay (Lead Gastroenterologist, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary – for his commitment and contribution to dietetics, in addition to his participation in the work of the BDA at a strategic and national level)
Fellowship Award (The highest honour that the profession bestows on a dietitian. Fellowships are awarded to individuals to recognise their outstanding work nationally in promoting the profession and the science and practice of dietetics):
- Pauline Douglas (University of Ulster – a former BDA Chairman with over 25 years experience, Sitting on numerous committees and being part of many projects. Pauline has done this on a local, regional and national basis)
- Michelle Mackintosh (West Dunbartonshire Community Health Partnership – with 18 years experience, she has been published in numerous journals and has sat on various national committees)
Speaking about the award winners, Helen Davidson, BDA Chairman, said:
“On behalf of the British Dietetic Association and the profession as a whole, I would like to congratulate each and every one of our award winners.
“Every year, when nominations open, the BDA receives a superb response and the quality of those nominations is always first rate.
“These awards are also significant because all those nominated are done so by their peers, which is real testament to the award’s status and calibre. It will be a great honour to present theses awards next week.”