BDA member Chloé McMurray was recently recognised at the Dr Falk/Guts UK Awards, for a project improving the nutritional management of pancreatic disease.
The awards acknowledge efforts across healthcare professions to progress gastroenterology, pancreatology and hepatology and to improve patient care. Chloé was awarded within the dietitian category, receiving a £1,000 prize.
Chloé’s project assessed the impact of introducing a specialist dietitian into pancreatic cancer patient care and professional practice.
Evaluations from the project demonstrated an increase in dietitian referrals for pancreatic cancer patients. 100% of patients achieved their personal nutrition goals and felt well supported by the HPB service. 91% of colleagues agreed that having a specialist dietitian within the multi-disciplinary team was beneficial for them professionally.
Chloé is a specialist hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) dietitian, on secondment as the personalised cancer care prehabilitation lead at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Reflecting on her award, she said, “I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have received this award and hope that it helps to highlight the role of specialist dietitians within pancreatic services and in particular working within a multi-disciplinary team.
“I am extremely passionate about ensuring that pancreatic patients receive optimal nutritional care and my work with pancreatic cancer patients has been highly rewarding. I am very proud of the work I have achieved and look forward to continuing this important and innovative work with a wider demographic of patients and staff in my seconded role.”
Chloé’s role has since expanded to also provide training for consultants, doctors and nurses to improve understanding and awareness of pancreatic nutrition management.
The BDA would like to congratulate Chloé on this amazing achievement.
