Winter 2015

Newsletter of the Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Group of the British Dietetic Association

Chair's update

As the end of the year draws to a close, I felt it only fitting to pass on my thanks to the Committee, Clinical Leads and Members, who have got involved over the year to help PENG deliver on the objectives set. I hope by scanning the list below you might not only gain an insight into the range of projects that PENG are involved in but that you might be inspired to join us.

A BIG thank you to...

  1. All the Tutors and the Clinical Update Lead, Alison Culkin, for running yet another successful PENG Clinical Update Course – helping dietitians to enhance their skills in the field of nutrition support.
  2. Eileen O’Neill, Jo Wheeler and Sean White who wrote and tested the new patient information leaflets on tube feeding in conjunction with our nursing colleagues in the NNNG and patients in PINNT.
  3. Jacklyn Jones who undertook the research and audit survey, the response of which has been used to shape our research and audit strategy and provided the framework for the recent PENG Audit and Research Symposium.
  4. Carole-Anne Fleming for leading on the Symposium and the PENG Award, along with the support of Jacklyn Jones, Research and Audit lead, Karen Leek from BDA Head Office and Judy Lawrence, Mel Baker and the PENG Award winners and registered dietitians who made the PENG Symposium in November the touch paper for motivating many to get involved in research and audit.
  5. Sean White for leading on the outcomes project, along with the input from a host of PENG members (who will be named in the final toolkit).
  6. Emma Emmerson for keeping our costs under control and managing our budgets and securing a place on the Advisory Committee for Borderline substances.
  7. Kate Hall for the collation of e-PENlines, the rapid and continuous updating of the PENG website, and keeping all our members up-to-date with activities.
  8. Ann Ashworth for her impeccable timing in preparing for our meetings, AGM and getting the minutes out to all in an impressive turnaround time.
  9. Imogen Watson for representing PENG on the BAPEN Education and Training Committee, who continue to work on the regionalisation of BAPEN and the BAPEN Decision Trees which provide guidance for clinical practice.
  10. Ailsa Kennedy for her enduring commitment to bring all those together working on the emotive subject of liquidised food for tube feeding and for representing dietitians nationally in the ENFit transition.
  11. Stephen Taylor for his expert input into the BAPEN NG tube safety programme.
  12. Vera Todorovic for her tireless efforts in keeping the PENG Pocket Guide a viable and essential resource – I believe none of us could do without it in everyday practice.
  13. Pete Turner for embedding nutrition in the Digestive Diseases Federation 2015 programme, thereby promoting nutrition to thousands of clinicians who would not ordinarily consider the importance of nutrition in modern day healthcare.
  14. Sean White for facilitating the HEF network and along with Ailsa Kennedy their input into BAPEN’s BANs Committee.
  15. Jacklyn Jones and Alison Culkin for their involvement in prescribing initiatives.
  16. BDA Head Office staff and, in particular, Laura King and Helen Robinson for assisting in the running of PENG.
  17. Complete Media & Marketing, our colleagues in industry and our web guys, James and John, who help us deliver the professional outputs we strive for.

The colleagues listed above are the reason why I continue to find Chairing PENG so rewarding, the teamwork is second to none, and I am constantly inspired by the drive and commitment of others who share my own passion for demonstrating that dietitians can, and do, make a difference.

On a personal note, I would like to acknowledge the patience and tolerance shown by my husband and children for the many hours I spend on my laptop to oversee and input into all that is happening.

In reading the list of projects and achievements and the names of all involved, I hope you might feel inspired to join the Committee in the future, volunteer as a member for projects and tasks, or just have your say by getting in touch with us. Please do come forward if you have any ideas you would like to turn into reality or, equally, if you have any comments to make or concerns to raise.

Thank you for being a member of PENG, without you we would not exist. We hope your membership continues to represent excellent value and provides you with the support you need.

I hope you enjoy reading the latest news in e-PENlines, a taster of all that goes on behind the scenes.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a successful year ahead.

Best wishes

 

 

Anne Holdoway

Chair – PENG

On behalf of the PENG committee, Clinical Leads and Professional Links