Dietitian Service
What is a Dietitian?
Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level.
They use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.
Dietitians can help both ill and healthy people to make better food choices that support their health needs. At Pioneer, we support and promote the benefits of nutritional support and food adaptations to give patients the best chance of improving their health, whether that be in wound healing, lymphoedema or lipoedema.
Nutritional Support
We are what we eat! At Pioneer we know that we heal from the inside and need a variety of nutrients to help form new skin and help improve tissue integrity. Generally, the better nourished you are the quicker you will heal.
A diet high in energy, protein, vitamins and minerals with an adequate fluid intake is necessary for wound healing and lymphatic drainage. This is something that our dietitian can support you with on an individual, personalised basis.
Meet Laura!
Laura Askins is a Consultant Dietitian specialising in Nutritional Support for patients at Pioneer to help with their wound healing, lymphoedema or lipoedema. Laura originally trained as a Dietitian at Leeds Beckett University in 2009 and since then has practised in several senior Dietitian roles in both community and hospital settings across the UK. Laura has won national awards for her work and has led, participated and published research studies which were focused on the care of patients living with and beyond lung, head and neck Cancer. Laura is a member of both the British Dietetic Association and the Restorative Justice Council.
In 2019 Laura became a medical lecturer in postgraduate education courses particularly around clinical communication skills, culture change and patient safety.
Alongside her role at Pioneer, Laura also works in the field of Medical Science where she advocates for the use of early Nutrition Support in Cancer patient pathways. This work involves embedding research into everyday NHS practice and especially highlighting the benefit of high protein in wound healing and preventing sarcopenia (muscle weakening).
Pioneer Dietitian Service
Patients under the care of Pioneer can book a virtual consultation with the Pioneer Dietitian team via their Pioneer clinician or via clinic reception.