For healthcare students, there are few experiences more profound and enlightening than a placement in a working hospital. For William Stivaletta, a second-year Dietetics Student at London Metropolitan University, his three-week placement at Mildmay Hospital was nothing short of transformative.
During his time at Mildmay, he had the opportunity to delve into the inner workings of the hospital and interact with various teams. What he discovered left a lasting impression - a team of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in patient care.
William's placement at Mildmay allowed him to explore different healthcare pathways, including HIV care, the REBUILD post-detox pathway, and our medical care services for homeless people. This exposure to diverse challenges faced by healthcare providers will have helped to broaden his perspective on the field of dietetics and the critical role nutrition plays in patient care.
The centrepiece of William's placement was a project focused on assessing the protein content of the in-house and external catering for the texture-modified diet. The project aimed to align the menu with the new Nutrition and Hydration Digest guidelines. The project sought to bridge dietary gaps, particularly for vegetarian patients, emphasising a food-first approach to care and offering practical strategies for enriching meals.
William Stivaletta's testimonial is a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of student placements in healthcare. It underscores the importance of teamwork, the challenges healthcare providers face, and the impact of innovative projects aimed at improving patient nutrition and well-being. Mildmay Hospital, through its warm welcome and invaluable support, has not only inspired a student but has also contributed to the future of healthcare.
William's testimonial:
"As my placement at Mildmay comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude and share my thoughts on this incredible experience.
My name is William Stivaletta, and I am a second-year Dietetics Student. Over the past three weeks, I had the privilege of working alongside a fellow student during our Public Health Placement at Mildmay.
During my time at Mildmay, I had the opportunity to delve into the intricate workings of the Hospital. Interacting with the various teams, I gained invaluable insights into the comprehensive care provided at Mildmay. Witnessing the dedication and excellence of your team left me truly impressed and inspired.
I consider myself immensely fortunate to have been granted this opportunity. The importance of teamwork became evident as we strived to achieve the best possible outcomes for the patients.
Exploring different pathways, including HIV, Detox, and Homeless care, opened my eyes to the diverse challenges faced by healthcare providers.
The main focus of my project was to assess the protein content of the in-house and external catering for the texture-modified diet and align the menu with the new Nutrition and Hydration Digest guidelines. The experience has been both enlightening and transformative. The main objectives included evaluating food provision based on IDDSI levels, creating an accessible report outlining meal options and fortification guidance, and expanding food choices through collaboration with external catering providers. The project aimed to bridge dietary gaps, particularly for vegetarian patients, emphasizing a food-first approach to care and offering practical strategies for enriching meals. The comprehensive report provides menu ideas, stock management solutions, and a roadmap for improved patient nutrition and well-being at Mildmay Hospital
To the entire Mildmay team, I extend my heartfelt appreciation. From the warm welcome to the friendly smiles, you made me feel like an integral part of the team. The knowledge and support you generously shared with me have been invaluable. It has truly been a pleasure collaborating with each and every one of you.
Once again, thank you, Mildmay, for the support, guidance, and inspiration you provided during my placement. I will always cherish this experience and the memories I've gained."
William Stivaletta
Second-year Dietetics Student
London Metropolitan University