BDA members were represented by Jo Teece, the Association's Allied Health Professions Federation Scotland (AHPFS) Representative, at a parliamentary roundtable at Holyrood on 4 November.
Sponsored by Paul McLennan MSP, the event brought AHPFS representatives and MSPs from across the political parties together to discuss how Scotland can strengthen its preventative approach through effective AHP leadership and representation, improved access to community-based services and a workforce equipped to meet the needs of a changing population.
Discussions focused on the preventative agenda, workforce planning and the contribution of AHPs to improving population health.
MSPs attending included Paul McLennan (SNP), Myles Briggs (Conservative), Joe Long (Labour) and a representative of Yi-Pei Chou Turvey (Liberal Democrat).
Highlighting the contribution of dietitians to prevention
Jo highlighted the important role dietitians play in prevention and early intervention, and how the profession contributes to improving health and addressing inequalities across Scotland.
Her contribution focused on the value of dietetic research, innovation and digital transformation in developing and expanding access to preventative services. She also highlighted the importance of bringing care closer to home through accessible, community-based services and collaborative working across the AHP professions.
The discussion provided an opportunity to demonstrate how AHPs contribute to prevention across the life course, supporting people to maintain their health and independence while helping to reduce demand on acute services.
AHP leadership and workforce planning
The roundtable provided an opportunity for AHP representatives to share examples of preventative work taking place across Scotland and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the workforce.
There was considerable discussion about workforce planning, different models of care and the impact of the two AHP Boards on workforce development and planning.
The importance of ensuring all AHP professions are equally recognised and valued, with their expertise represented in leadership, decision-making and workforce planning, was also highlighted
MSPs expressed interest in understanding more about preventative spending, workforce capacity and patient flow through services. Paul McLennan and Joe Long indicated an interest in further engagement with AHPFS to explore these issues and support progress.
Looking ahead
The BDA welcomes the opportunity to represent dietitians at Holyrood and highlight the contribution of the profession to prevention, early intervention and reducing health inequalities.
Dietitians have an important role in shaping preventative services, translating research into practice and working alongside other AHPs to improve health and wellbeing.
Thank you to Paul McLennan MSP for sponsoring the roundtable and to all MSPs and AHP colleagues who took part in the discussion.
We look forward to continuing to work with AHPFS colleagues and policymakers to ensure dietitians are recognised and represented in discussions about Scotland's future health and social care services.