Leading Dietitian Scoops National Recognition, Epsom General Hospital, England

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology;  Allergy
Article Date: 03 Nov 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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A leading dietitian based at Epsom General Hospital has been crowned 'Dietitian of the Year' by a national charity. Kristina Zaremba who has been working in the field for the past 28 years, said she was delighted with the accolade, awarded to her by Coeliac UK.

The charity supports people with coeliac disease - a condition that affects one in 100 people across the UK. Those with the disease have to eat a gluten-free diet to avoid symptoms which can include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, tiredness, diarrhoea and anaemia. If left undiagnosed it can lead to osteoporosis, infertility and bowel cancer.

Every year, Coeliac UK recognises those dietitians who provide support to people with the illness. Kristina was nominated by a patient, who she has worked closely with over recent years.

The patient told the charity that Kristina not just helped her to cope with the condition, but also assisted in the diagnosis of Graves' disease - a condition caused by an over reactive thyroid which leads to a loss of weight.

Kristina said: "I was told the award is given to the dietitian who goes that extra mile to help their patients comply with their diet and generally cope with living with the disease on a day to day basis. I am amazed that a patient went out of their way to nominate me for this award. It's very humbling and I am extremely honoured."

Kristina added avoiding all foods containing gluten improves patients' well-being and reduces the risk of complications.

"Those who are affected by coeliac disease have to look at everything they eat all the time including when eating out in restaurants which is particularly difficult for them. Some of my patients are supersensitive to gluten - the smallest amount of gluten can make their joints swell up and affect their general mood making them very tearful. A mistake from an unaware chef in a restaurant such as sprinkling wheat croutons over a soup to improve its appearance could cause such a reaction. Unfortunately it is not standard practice in catering colleges in the UK to provide training in special diets such as a gluten free diet."

Kristina received the award from Tony Grace, marketing director for Glutafin - sponsors of the award, during a ceremony at London's Glaziers Hall.

He said: "A dedicated and caring dietitian is vital to the wellbeing of coeliac patients and Kristina is a wonderful example of how it could and should be done. Glutafin congratulates Kristina on her achievement and thanks all the other nominated dietitians for their continuing dedication."

Kristina, who works for Central Surrey Health, is one of seven dietitians based at Epsom Hospital, treating up to 220 patients each year.

Epsom Hospital