Frequently asked questions about the community hospital dietetic service

Information for Somerset Dietitians

What is the referral criteria for referring to the community hospital dietitians?

We accept the following referrals:
1) All patients requiring tube feeding
2) Complex or unstable patients who require additional dietetic input whilst in the community hospital setting e.g. unstable stroke patients, patients with deteriorating neurological conditions and/or those with continuing weight loss.

We do not require a referral for all other patients who do not meet the above criteria and have a dietetic care plan in place. Instead please provide a handover of your care plan to the ward (note: ONS availability differs in the CH setting with Complan being the preferred first line ONS). Patients will be MUST screened by the community hospitals and referred to us if further support is required.

How do I refer to the community hospital dietitians?

We have two referral forms which acute dietitians can refer to us. These include:
1. Referral form for those with enteral tube feeds
2. Referral form for CH patients who meet the above criteria

A link to our current referral forms can be found by clicking the CH Referral Forms box on this page.