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What is a Dietitian?

A First Contact Dietitian (FCP) is a registered healthcare professional embedded within general practice, who sees patients directly—without the need for a GP referral—for early dietary assessment, clinical nutrition advice, and tailored management of diet-related health conditions

They are part of the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) and support PCNs in improving long-term condition outcomes, reducing GP burden, and offering preventative interventions that contribute to population health.

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Our FCP Dietitians are trained to manage a wide range of clinical and lifestyle-related presentations, including:

What Does a First Contact Dietitian Do?

  • check-iconType 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes
  • check-iconIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and gastrointestinal symptoms
  • check-iconCardiovascular risk (hyperlipidaemia, hypertension)
  • check-iconMalnutrition and unintentional weight loss
  • check-iconObesity and weight management
  • check-iconNutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, vitamin D)
  • check-iconCoeliac disease and food intolerances
  • check-iconEarly-stage chronic kidney disease
  • check-iconCancer-related dietary support

They assess, treat, and refer on, when necessary, often avoiding onward referrals to secondary care dietetic teams by resolving issues at the first point of contact.

Why This Role Matters in Primary Care

Benefit Impact
Early dietary intervention Improves management of LTCs and prevents complications
Reduces pressure on GP appointments Dietitians manage conditions like IBS or malnutrition without GP input
Supports QOF & DES targets Aligns with NHS priorities (e.g., diabetes, CVD, obesity, frailty)
Promotes lifestyle behaviour change Reduces medication reliance and improves long-term outcomes
Enhances MDT and PCN skill mix Provides specialist nutrition input in-house

Governance and Clinical Assurance

All Xcel Health Dietitians are:

  • check-iconHCPC-registered and trained to national First Contact Practitioner standards
  • check-iconAligned with the HEE Dietetic FCP roadmap (2022
  • check-iconProvided with regular clinical supervision, peer learning, and audit
  • check-iconSkilled in motivational interviewing and behavioural change models
  • check-iconAble to work in-person or remotely, depending on PCN need

They are supported by our central clinical leads and are embedded into the local PCN’s governance structure.

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What Patients Can Expect

expect

Direct booking via reception teams or self-referral pathways

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A structured nutritional assessment and advice within 15–30 minutes

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Clear, personalised goals and ongoing education to manage their condition

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Signposting to community or specialist services if clinically necessary

Working in Partnership with PCNs

We work closely with PCNs, ICBs, and GP federations to deliver a fully managed, cost-effective, and high-governance Dietetic FCP service.

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Common Dietetic Presentations in Primary Care

  • check-iconType 2 diabetes management
  • check-iconWeight loss for cardiovascular risk reduction
  • check-iconMalnutrition screening and intervention (MUST)
  • check-iconIBS and low-FODMAP education
  • check-iconMenopause-related weight changes
  • check-iconSupport for patients on statins or blood pressure meds
  • check-iconAdvice on diet and polypharmacy interactions
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Xcel House, St. Leonards Road, 20-20 Business Park Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0LS.

01622 94 20 33 admin@xcelhealth.co.uk

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