Service Lead for Diabetes Dietetics, Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board
In her role as a Clinical Champion, Elaine Jennings plans to develop the integration of diabetes dietetic services for the people of North Wales. She aims to continue to extend the role of diabetes dietitians as supplementary prescribers, working at the top of their licence. Elaine would also like to develop dietetic assistant roles, to enhance the multi-disciplinary care pathways for patients is the goal.
Background
Elaine has worked as a Dietitian for over 25 years, after qualifying as a secondary school teacher. She has worked in specialist diabetes services for twelve years. Before this, Elaine worked in a clinical role within primary care. This has allowed Elaine to develop an understanding of the opportunities and challenges to integrating services for people living with diabetes.
Before working in diabetes, Elaine specialised in mental health & eating disorders. She is currently completing training as a Group Analyst, with the Institute of Group Analysis. This has developed her group work skills, as well as her understanding of complex systems.
Elaine has worked in several volunteer roles for the British Diabetes Association throughout her career. She is currently North Wales representative for the Diabetes Specialist Group.