Following graduation from The University of York in 1996 with a BSc Hons in biology, I went on to study for a post-graduate diploma in dietetics at Glasgow Caledonian University, undergoing clinical training at Salford’s Hope Hospital and Bolton Community Practice, and qualifying as a state registered dietitian with distinction in 1999. 

On qualifying, I worked in Blackburn and Hyndburn Hospitals covering a wide range of specialties within the adult setting and subsequently began my paediatric career at The Manchester Children’s Hospitals in 2000, working at Booth Hall Children’s Hospital, Pendlebury Children’s Hospital, and the merged Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in 2010. I subsequently worked for 5 years at Stepping Hill Hospital and since 2019 have worked at Wythenshawe Hospital as lead paediatric and neonatal dietitian, leading the team of paediatric dietitians.

I have over 20 years' experience within the field of paediatric dietetics. I have worked across a number of specialisms including: food allergy and intolerance, gastro-oesophageal reflux, gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, faltering growth, low FODMAP diet, nutritional support, tube feeding, weight management, general medical and surgical, burns and ICU, including working on the neonatal ward over the last two years. From 2021 I am supporting the neonatal training on the Masters module for dietitians in training for paediatrics at RMCH. From 2021 I am also training in the SOS approach to feeding therapy.

I work with parents, consultants and GPs supporting the diagnosis/exclusion and management of food allergy and intolerance.  I can provide prescription advice on specialist formulas directly to GP’ and consultants to support this process. NICE guidelines (2011) on ‘Food Allergy in Children and Young People’ indicate that babies and young children with suspected allergy to cow’s milk should be referred to a paediatric dietitian as part of their management.

Having personal experience of having a child with gastro-oesophageal reflux as ‘silent reflux’ I understand and relate very well to parents’ experiences and difficulties in managing this. Your child’s doctor can refer to me or you are also able to self-refer to me for consultation.