Nicola Henderson and Caroline Ritchie

Two NHS Forth Valley Dietitians have been honoured by the British Dietetic Association at their recent 2014 annual awards ceremony in Birmingham.

Nicola Henderson and Caroline Ritchie, who work at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, were awarded the BDA Dame Barbara Clayton Award for 2014 for their development of an electronic database which has increased the time dietitians are able to spend with patients on dialysis.

This unique award is given to an individual, team or department who meet strict criteria, including the need to demonstrate innovation and new ways of working within the dietetic profession.

NHS Forth Valley Dietitian, Nicola Henderson said: “I feel really honoured to have won this prestigious award and I would like to thank the BDA for recognising our work.

“We looked at the patient journey, identified where it could be simpler, and through innovative use of computer software, we have improved the quality and efficiency of our service to patients”.

Fellow award winner, Caroline Ritchie added: “It is a privilege to have our work acknowledged and rewarded in such a way. Our database enables us to spend more time with patients face to face.

“I am overwhelmed with all the positive feedback we have received so far and I am very grateful to the BDA for this esteemed award. Hopefully our success will inspire others to develop and demonstrate new innovative ways of working”.

The Dame Barbara Clayton Award is named after Dame Barbara who made a significant contribution to the BDA and profession during her term of office with the association and was a major force within medicine, paediatric care and in promoting and supporting dietetics.

In addition, Nicola is the Chair of the BDA Specialist Group NAGE (Nutrition Advisory Group for Older People) and received the BDA Specialist Group of the Year 2014 award.

The BDA has 18 Specialist Groups made up of expert dietitians who work or have an interest in certain specialist areas. Nicola said “I am delighted that our group’s work over the past year has been rewarded. Achieving this award would not have been possible without the support and help of all of our group members and committee.

“I am thrilled that Caroline and I have brought 3 trophies back to Forth Valley from the BDA Awards Ceremony!”