National spend on oral nutritional supplements (ONS) has increased over the last three financial years from £144 million to £200 million in 2023-24.
But for Hertfordshire and West Essex, this spending actually reduced thanks to the efforts of Heather and her Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation (PMOT) colleagues, working closely with partners across the health system.
While the national average saw a 15% increase in ONS spending with products experiencing an average price hike of 13%, the Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB saved 5%.
This eye-catching result has not gone unnoticed and Heather was invited to speak at the BDA’s 2024 Research Symposium where her presentation won the Optimising Nutrition Prescribing category.
Heather, who has been a dietitian for more than 30 years, said: “It was a massive sense of achievement and I was incredibly proud to win the award.
“But I also felt that it was won by everyone across the system who has been involved. It has motivated me throughout this year to continue our work.”
Heather’s presentation focused on how she and her team work closely with colleagues in primary care and other parts of the health service, including care homes, to raise awareness of malnutrition and the importance of patients improving their nutritional intake through normal foods in a ‘food-based approach’. The result has been a big improvement in how nutrition advice and supplements are given to patients across Hertfordshire and west Essex.
Heather presented again earlier this month at a webinar hosted by the Optimising Nutrition Prescribing Specialist Group, and another specialist group of the British Dietetic Association have approached her to write an article about her work.
She said: “Presenting and winning the stream at the Symposium has raised awareness nationally about the amazing ongoing work in our ICB. This has in turn led to many other organisations approaching myself and Alison Smith, Consultant Prescribing Support Dietitian, to share our resources and discuss our work.
“One organisation recently described the ICB Dietetic team as ‘the best in the country’. I feel extremely proud to share not only our resources but also our experiences, and support colleagues across the country.”
And the good news keeps on coming for Heather as recently released data for 2024/25 once again showed Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB as the only one in England to achieve a saving (5% again) on ONS, while the national average saw a 16% increase.
Despite the impressive results yet again, no one will be resting on their laurels.
Heather added: “This is fantastic news. But there are still opportunities to make further savings and ensure appropriate prescribing of ONS.”