On Tuesday 10 November, the BDA launched its manifesto at Stormont, Parliament Buildings.
The event focused on one of the manifesto’s key asks, a dietetic-led review and update of ‘Promoting Good Nutrition: A strategy for good nutritional care for adults in all care settings in Northern Ireland’. Originally published for 2011–2016, the strategy sets out how malnutrition should be identified, assessed and treated across Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Country Board Chair, Debbie McGugan, spoke at the event. She said, “Our ask today is straightforward: we are calling for a dietetic-led review and update of the Promoting Good Nutrition Strategy so that it reflects the needs of Northern Ireland today and into the future, rather than those of 2011.
“We chose this issue for good reason. Not only because improving nutritional care would make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of people across Northern Ireland, and not only because it would help reduce pressure on our health and social care system, but because the Promoting Good Nutrition Strategy is an excellent example of what can be achieved when dietetic leadership is given the opportunity to shape services.”
Danny Donnelly MLA, Deputy Chair of the Health Committee, sponsored the event and gave the opening remarks. Health Minister Robbie Butler also spoke at the event, praising the work of dietitians and recognising the role of good nutrition in supporting health and wellbeing
The event also heard from Mandy Wilson, Charity Director at Age NI, and Mandy Gilmore, Head of Dietetics & Community Diabetes at the Southern Trust.
In the lead up to the Northern Ireland Assembly elections 2027 the BDA will pursue continued engagement with political parties to ensure that dietetic voices are heard across the political spectrum.
Read the Northern Ireland Manifesto for the NI Assembly Elections 2027
