Diet Aide, Dietetic

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Diet Aide assists in inpatient meal management activities, including processing diet orders, updating meal lists, checking tray accuracy, and assisting with stock control for nutritional products. The role ensures that all patient meal orders are accurate, timely, and consistent with prescribed diets. Diet Aide works under the supervision of the Senior Diet Aide (where applicable) or Head of Dietetics & Food Services and collaborates closely with Dietitians, Nurses, and Food Services staff to ensure smooth coordination and patient satisfaction.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Main Responsibilities

• Process new diet orders and ensure changes are accurately updated in the meal lists or diet management system.
• Check and verify patient meal trays for correct diet type, portion, and labeling before distribution.
• Liaise with Nursing and Food Services teams to clarify and coordinate correct diet provision for each patient.
• Handle stock control of nutritional products, including receiving, organizing, labeling, and maintaining cleanliness of storage areas or cabinets.
• Monitor ward stock levels of nutritional products and replenish supplies as required to ensure continuity of patient care (where applicable).
• Conduct periodic stock counts (minimum once monthly) and maintain accurate inventory and usage records.
• Distribute nutritional products to wards or patients as requested and ensure timely and accurate documentation.
• Process billing and related documentation for nutritional products, therapeutic meals, and extra meal orders (where applicable).
• Collate and maintain service records, stock records, and daily reports as required by the services.
• Report discrepancies, unclear diet orders, or operational issues to the Senior Diet Aide (where applicable) or Head of Dietetics & Food Services for further action.
• Ensure compliance with hospital hygiene, food safety, and infection control standards.
• Gather and submit patient feedback or complaints to the Senior Diet Aide (where applicable) or Head of Dietetics & Food Services for review.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform any other responsibilities assigned by immediate superior or hospital management.

JOB REQUIREMENT

Education:

• Minimum SPM qualification or equivalent.
• Certificate in food services, healthcare support, or related fields are an advantage.

Knowledge and Experiences:

• Experience in hospital food service, catering, or healthcare support is preferred.
• Basic understanding of hospital diet types and meal service workflows.
• Knowledge of hygiene, food safety, and documentation requirements.

Skills & Competencies:

Special skills required

• Ability to follow instructions and perform tasks accurately under supervision.
• Basic knowledge of food handling, hygiene, and safety practices.
• Strong attention to detail in diet order processing, meal tray verification, documentation, and record-keeping.
• Good communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills with Dietitians, Nursing staff, and Food Services teams.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple daily tasks efficiently.
• Basic problem-solving skills to address unclear diet orders, stock discrepancies, or service issues.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

   Personal Attributes:

• Reliable, courteous, and professional.
• Team-oriented with a positive and service-minded attitude.
• Committed to patient care and quality service.
• Respectful and calm under pressure.