STUDENTS who wish to study to become registered dieticians can now undertake their practical training in the Isle of Man.
The Department of Health has announced that Noble's Hospital's dietetic service has been accredited by the University of Ulster as a provider of practical training for students.
The Isle of Man's dietetic service is provided by six dieticians who are all based at Noble's Hospital. They treat a wide range of conditions including malnutrition, diabetes, eating disorders, allergies and intolerances, and obesity.
Training in dietetics consists of a four year degree course which includes the study of the science of nutrition and dietetics, supportive sciences, anatomy, biology, immunology, genetics, pharmacology, pathology, food science, epidemiology and statistics as well as social sciences such as sociology, psychology, communication and management.
To be eligible for state registration students must also undertake a minimum of 28 weeks practical training and it is this practical training that can now be undertaken at Noble's Hospital.
Bev Critchlow, director of nursing, midwifery and therapies at Noble's Hospital, explained: "We are very pleased to be approved as a provider for practical dietetic training and I would like to congratulate the dietetic service for making this possible.
"It will mean that students who wish to practice in the Isle of Man can complete an essential part of their training here which will greatly improve continuity both for them and their patients.
"This achievement also recognises the high standard of care provided by our dietetic team."
Sarah Surgeon, an advanced specialist paediatric dietician at Noble's Hospital, added: "This is a welcome development for the dietetic service.
"We are all looking forward to the rewarding challenge of supporting students to use theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to develop the practical skills necessary to work as a clinical dietician."
There are currently two students undertaking dietetic training in the Isle of Man and Noble's Hospital has the capacity to train between two and four per year.
Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: "I am delighted that Noble's Hospital has been accredited to provide this kind of specialist training.
"This attainment, one of many new on-Island training opportunities, just goes to show what the Island has to offer to students who wish to study here in the Isle of Man.
"The addition of this course has further enhanced the department's extensive range of training which also includes professional programmes in nursing and mental health.
"It is a truly fantastic accomplishment. Well done to everyone who worked so hard to achieve this result."
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