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About the Nutrition Department
The Nutrition Department was established in 1933 through the efforts of Gertrude Healy, the Mother Rectress. Since then the aim has been to develop “a nutrition service of the highest order…in addition the Department should provide opportunities for nutritional research, (as well as) training in dietetics and (with) a wider educational scope…it will place
St. Vincent's in a unique position in respect among hospitals of Australia”.
(Mother Gertrude Healy, Letter to Mr R.F.O'Sullivan, 23 rd February 1933).
Today, the Nutrition Department provides a Nutrition & Dietetics Service to the St Vincent's Community, staff and students that strives to be flexible and responsive, timely, accessible and cost efficient. We aim to foster collaborative efforts, professional excellence, nutritional research, best practice and personal and professional growth and development.
All dietitians in the St Vincent's Health Nutrition Department are Accredited Practising Dietician's. This means that they have studied Dietician's Association of Australia (DAA) approved tertiary courses and are committed to continuing professional development. The department, as a whole, is committed to evidence-based patient care and are constantly updating knowledge and skills to move with an ever-evolving field of health science.
We are guided by the values of the Sisters of Charity in our relationships with the people we serve and our partners. In all our activities we strive to demonstrate compassion, justice, human dignity, excellence and unity.
The Department provides direct patient care and nutritional management to all sites of the Health Service. 
Our Services
The core services provided are:
- Clinical Dietetic and Nutrition Support Services
- Ambulatory, Home Based, and Residential Care
- Food Services
- Teaching and Training
- Research and Quality Activities
Clinical Dietetic and Nutrition Support Services
Inpatient Services
Qualified Accredited Practising dietitians provide services to a range of inpatient clinical areas:
| Cardiology |
GEM Units |
Nephrology |
Psychiatry |
| Cardiothoracic |
Neurology |
Neurology |
Rehabilitation |
| Colorectal Surgery |
Head and Neck Surgery |
Neurosurgery |
Parenteral Nutrition |
| Endocrinology |
Hepatobiliary Surgery |
Oncology |
Respiratory |
| Gastroenterology |
Home Enteral Nutrition |
Orthopaedics |
Stroke |
| General Medical |
Intensive Care |
Palliative Care |
Vascular Surgery |
Food Service
Nutrition technicians assist dietitians in communicating with the kitchen and ensure patients receive the correct meals according to dietician recommendations. Dietitians and Nutrition Technicians enjoy a good working relationship with the food service department, ensuring high quality service provision to St Vincent's Health patients.
Sub-Acute and Residential Services
The Nutrition Department provides dietetics services to Caritas Christi GEM units, Rehabilitation in the Home, St Georges Hospital, Community Rehabilitation Centres and Residential Care Facilities. Dietitians move between these sites and care facilities as needed with the aim of optimising the nutrition of patients in sub-acute and residential settings.
Ambulatory Care Services
Individual and group outpatient services are available to St Vincent's Health patients:
| Clinic type |
Type |
| Cancer Cachexia |
Tuesday Afternoon (Fortnightly) |
| Cardiac Rehabilitation |
Wednesday Afternoon |
| Diabetes |
Wednesday Morning |
| Gastroenterology |
Monday Afternoon |
| General Nutrition |
Monday Afternoon/ Thursday Afternoon |
| Insulin Pump Diabetes Clinic |
Wednesday Morning |
| Renal |
Tuesday Afternoon/ Wednesday Morning |
| Young Adults Diabetes Clinic |
Tuesday Afternoon |
Referrals are essential for an outpatient nutrition appointment and can be made through consulting dietitians, doctors, surgeons, general practitioners and other staff.
Teaching and Training
The Nutrition Department provides clinical teaching placements for;
- Undergraduate and postgraduate Nutrition and Dietetics students
- International dietitians in assisting their application for DAA-recognised Dietetics Qualifications
- Work experience students
- Applied Science students undertaking clinical nutrition quality and research projects
The Nutrition department also provides quality in services and nutrition education sessions to St Vincent's staff and other health organisations.
Research and Quality Activities
Members of the nutrition department are encouraged to specialise in various areas with the aim of participating in research and interdisciplinary studies. We have produced reports evaluating and improving service and treatments, a necessary activity if we are to maintain high standards.
Our quality and research interests include:
- Evaluating ICU enteral feeding practice
- Evaluating the effectiveness of the current cardiac rehabilitation nutrition program
- Pre-admission nutritional screening
- Interdisciplinary student teaching
- Factors impacting on nutritional status of inpatients
- Evaluating student perceptions of clinical placement
Contact Details
Natalie Simmance
Chief Dietitian
Phone: 03 9288 3755 during business hours.
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