Gillian  Rajan

Gillian Rajan

Registered Dietitian

Qualifications 

BSc (Hons) Nutritional Science, PG Dip Dietetics

Specialisms 

  • Stroke
  • Neurology
  • Brain Injury
  • Renal
  • Palliative care
  • General Medicine
  • Nutrition
  • Bariatrics.

Introduction 

I qualified as a dietitian in 2005 from Glasgow Caledonian University and since qualifying I have worked in the NHS. Currently  I work as a Clinical Lead Dietitian with adults who have complex nutritional needs, as a consequence of illness or injury. I have undertaken post graduate study to qualify as a supplementary non medical prescriber. My experience is with the most challenging nutritional presentations in critical care, surgery and medicine. As a result, I have a unique understanding of the immediate and longer-term nutritional needs of the patients I treat.

My clinical work involves the management of complex oral, enteral and parenteral nutrition support. I am highly skilled in assessing each patient's individual needs, providing management plans and making recommendations for future interventions.  This includes post-discharge longer term goal setting, equipment and therapeutic needs. 

Working in critical care and leading on high level nutrition support across the hospital means that I am exposed to all adult medical and surgical specialities. I have extensive experience across all clinical specialities such as surgery (including bariatric complications), care of the elderly, stroke, neurology, acquired brain injury, renal, cancer and palliative care. My role involves being part of multi-disciplinary teams, making decisions regarding discharge planning and longer term management for patients, including appropriate residential placement on discharge. In my role as clinical lead and supervisor, I also support colleagues in their work.

As a dietitian, I am skilled at communicating with different individuals, from patients, family and carers to hospital, primary care and community clinical colleagues. I have have many years of experience in both one to one consultation as well as group presentation, often communicating with people in their most difficult moments. I have clinically and operationally led dietetic teams for many years. I am actively involved in student training and I also have experience at a strategic level as a member of the Trust Nutrition Steering Groups. I have been involved in many case conferences, root cause analysis (RCA) and the management of “never events’ in the NHS. I have excellent written skills and as well as a commitment to clear clinical documentation, have produced numerous written policies and nutrition-related guidelines throughout my career. I am very comfortable in my ability to communicate effectively at the highest levels.

As a professional working within the NHS at a senior level for many years, I have excellent time and people management skills. I work very effectively, both individually and as part of team, to provide a high standard of clinical care. I am committed to evidence based practice and continuous professional development for both myself and the teams I lead. 

I accept instructions from both Claimant and Defendant Solicitors and Insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under the Civil Procedures Rules (CPR) pertaining to Expert Witnesses.