The BDA greatly welcomes today’s announcement from the Department for Health in Northern Ireland of an increase in undergraduate dietetic places in the upcoming academic year.
In total, 505 places are to be made available across the allied health professions, with dietetics increasing to 35 pre-registration places. The investment is expected to cost £2.12million in 2025-26 and £3million in 2026-27.
In a statement from the Department for Health, the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said, “Our health and social care workforce are our greatest asset. Without their skill and dedication, there is no service. This plan is about stabilising the foundations of our system by investing in the people who will deliver care now and into the future.”
Investing in our workforce is one of the most important ways to guarantee the sustainability of our health service and we are delighted that the Department of Health in Northern Ireland has recognised the value of strengthening the allied health professions workforce.
Dietitians play a vital role across the whole of our health service, from supporting older people to remain independent for longer, to delivering lifesaving care in emergency departments, to helping people to manage chronic conditions and live better lives, for longer.
This investment in the dietetic workforce is a win for everyone and we welcome any opportunity to continue working with the Department in the months ahead to ensure that these new students have all the support they need as they join our profession.
