The implementation of a non-medical prescriber renal dietitian in a dialysis unit

Renal dietitians are members of the multiprofessional team who manage patients receiving dialysis, especially those with chronic kidney disease mineral bone disease. This service evaluation examined the impact of a non-medical prescriber renal dietitian in a dialysis unit. From March 2023 to March 2025, the number of patient assessments, including new prescriptions, amendments and deprescribing of prescription-only medicine by the non-medical prescribing renal dietitian was collected. Over the first year, the mean monthly reviews were 44 and in the second year, the mean was 71. Prescription-only medicine assessments included calcium mimetics, phosphate binders, active vitamin D and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. The implementation of a renal dietitian in a dialysis unit streamlined care delivery and was safe. The number of patients assessed by the renal dietitians increased over 2 years, which is a reflection of increasing confidence and expertise.