Locally delivered dietetic care a significant milestone

In January, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau recruited Rachel Keane, the first-ever dietitian permanently based in the district's Mid-North region. 

This significant milestone marks the beginning of consistent, locally delivered dietetic care for acute inpatients at Bay of Islands Hospital. Additionally, she will be providing support across outpatient and community settings.

Dietetic care for acute inpatients in Aotearoa involves providing specialised nutritional support to patients who are admitted to hospitals with serious or complex health conditions. 

This care is crucial for patients with specific dietary needs due to their medical conditions, such as diabetes, malnutrition, kidney failure, or gastrointestinal disorders. 

Dietitians work closely with the broader clinical team to develop and implement individualised nutrition plans that help manage these conditions, promote recovery, and improve overall health outcomes. 

This appointment reflects a long-standing commitment to delivering healthcare closer to home and is grounded in a comprehensive needs analysis of dietetic service provision across the district. 

The presence of a locally based clinician enables more timely access to care, strengthens relationships with local providers—leading to more appropriate referrals—and enhances our ability to deliver truly holistic, integrated services. 

Media contact: hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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