Nutrition & Dietetics: The Sutherland Hospital
Who are we and how we can help you
A dietitian helps people to understand the relationship between food and health. They are an expert in identifying and treating disease-related nutrition issues and providing medical nutrition therapy.
The dietetics department at Sutherland Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient services to people who live in the Sutherland Shire catchment.
How to find us: We are located in the Allied Health Outpatient Services on Level 2 of the main hospital building. We are directly next to The Street Canteen Café, and opposite the main hospital lifts.
Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm Monday – Friday. No weekend services.
-34.0371613, 151.1147459
We care for people in our hospital with the following conditions:
- Malnutrition or poor intake
- Those requiring alternative feeding methods (e.g. enteral nutrition)
- Kidney conditions
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Cancer
- Eating Disorders
- Paediatric Nutrition
Your doctor or nurse will refer you to the dietitian during your inpatient stay if it is required. You can also request to see a dietitian if you have any concerns about your nutrition.
Our department runs several clinics to support care needs for outpatients with specific nutrition needs or for follow up after a hospital admission.
Our Outpatient Services
Nutrition Support Clinic
Runs Weekly on a Tuesday afternoon.
Supports patients with poor nutrition status, malnutrition and enteral nutrition (tube feeds).
Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program
Runs on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Supports patients with osteoparthritis awaiting joint surgery. This service runs in conjunction with physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
General Paediatric Clinic
Runs weekly on a Thursday morning.
Supports paediatric patients with growth concerns, allergies/intolerances, enteral feeding, nutrition deficiencies, fussy eating and obesity.
Renal Clinic
Runs fortnightly on a Monday afternoon.
Supports patients with Chronic Kidney Disease requiring nutrition education or support.
Oncology Day Clinic
The dietitian services the oncology day clinic daily, visiting patients during their treatment.
The dietitian supports patients who have had weight loss or malnutrition requiring nutrition support, tube feeding or assistance with managing symptoms during their treatment.
Once your referral is received, it will be reviewed and you will be contacted to book in an appointment.
If we think your needs are better met by another service we will assist you by coordinating a referral to the appropriate service.
If you have questions regarding your appointment or you would like to reschedule or cancel your appointment please call the Allied Health reception on 9540 8300.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.
Please bring:
- Your referral letter from your GP
- Your Medicare card
- Your appointment confirmation letter. You can show this letter to the staff on the Information Counters if you need help once you arrive at the hospital
- A support person (a relative, friend or carer) if needed
- Any previous dietary information you have been provided with
- For infants, it is helpful to bring their blue book
We are located in the Allied Health Outpatient Services on Level 2 of the main hospital building. We are directly next to The Street Canteen Café, and opposite the main hospital lifts.
You can find us via both the southern entry to Level 1 from Kareena Rd (via the lift) or from main hospital entrance facing The Kingsway (Level 2).
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.
- Please review the outpatient services to determine if your patient is eligible
- Please complete a referral and fax this to our department on 02 9540 7717
- If you would like to discuss our services please call us on 02 9540 8300
We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.
Pre-Admission Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to attend the Pre-Admission Clinic?
As a patient, you are required to attend Pre-Admission Clinic to ensure you are fit enough for your intended surgery. During this appointment you will see an anaesthetic doctor, surgical doctor, nurse and other health workers. It is also a good opportunity to have any of your questions answered before your admission to hospital.
How do I get to the Pre-Admission Clinic?
We are located on level 3, opposite the central lifts.
What do I bring to this appointment?
- A recent health summary from your General Practitioner (GP), including a list of current medications and over the counter medications.
- Your Medicare card
- Recent X-Rays and scans relevant to your surgery
- Copies of the most recent letter/s from your specialist (for example: cardiologists, haematologists, respiratory, renal and endocrine)
- Your most recent blood test results (within 6 months)
- Copies of your investigation results. (for example your most recent cardiac echocardiogram, stress test or coronary angiogram).
- Details of any anaesthetic complications you are aware of and any allergy testing you may have completed.
- Any other significant investigation results or issues that you feel would help us manage your surgery better.
What happens if I do not bring all the information?
If we do not have all the necessary reports and information at your appointment, it may mean the doctors will need to delay your surgery or refer you to other specialists, depending on your type of surgery and your medical conditions.
Do I need to fast for this appointment?
Fasting is not required for this appointment.
What happens if I do not attend this appointment?
Failure to attend this could result in your surgery being delayed. Please call us on 9540 7611 if you need to change your appointment date.
Who do I call if I require any further information about this appointment?
Please contact the Admission officer at 9540 7611 if you have any questions.
What if English is not my first language?
Please inform the booking officer who can organise an interpreter. We do encourage a friend or relative who can speak English to accompany you to avoid any delay.
How long does the pre-admission visit take?
Depending on your surgery, you may be here for up to 2 to 6 hours. Please remember to bring some lunch especially if you are diabetic. There are cafeteria facilities available; however it is advisable to bring your own food if walking is difficult for you.
What if I need support after surgery?
Please let us know if you will require assistance following surgery. We will be pleased to refer you to a social worker or other services.
Can I have Telehealth?
Please let us know if you have special circumstances.
This will depend on your type of surgery and your medical conditions.
How do I contact the Pre-Admission Clinic?
Office hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Telephone: 02 9540 7611.
Office hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
-34.0371613, 151.1147459
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Service
We acknowledge Sutherland Hospital is on land traditionally owned by the Dharawal people of the Eora nation. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
We welcome all people requiring care and their families, carers and friends to our hospital.
We ask all people coming to our hospital ‘Are you living as or known as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in your community?’ If you answer yes, we will contact Samantha Gifford, our Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer (AHLO) and let her know you are here.
Coming to hospital can be a difficult time. Samantha is available to have a yarn if you are finding it difficult being away from your home and family, if you are dealing with sorry business or feel a bit lonely or anxious.
Samantha is part of our Social Work team and is available to provide you the following support
- Provide you with and your family with emotional, social and cultural support
- Advocate and liaise with other staff on your behalf
- Provide information about hospital services
- Provide information on your rights and responsibilities
- Organise referrals to other services (eg Aboriginal, Legal, Child Care Protection)
- Help you get financial assistance if you need it (eg pensions, benefits, IPTAAS (Isolated Patient’s Travel and Accommodation Scheme))
- Advice on accommodation if you are travelling to Sydney from the country
- Help you and the social worker to fill in an application for housing
- Work with the hospital team to organise nursing, hospice or respite care if you need it
- Organise for you to get help if you need it when you get home. This includes help with housework, shopping, meals on wheels or any equipment you might need.
You can read our brochure for more information.
Samantha Gifford - Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer
Hours
8:00am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday
Aboriginal Health Implementation Plan 2021-2023 for Sutherland Hospital and St George Hospital