Inspirational dietitian with almost four decades of experience retires
6 June 2024
An award-winning dietitian described as making an “invaluable” contribution to the profession has retired.
Head of Dietetics Helen Nicholls (centre), who was a dietitian for 37 years, 26 of which with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, was praised for her compassionate and outstanding leadership.
Among her many accomplishments was winning the AHP Clinical Leadership Award at the UK Advancing Healthcare Awards in April 2024 just days before her retirement.
“Helen’s vision for the Cardiff and Vale UHB community dietetics has seen the department develop in both quality and quantity,” said a spokesperson from the Health Board’s dietetics team. “She expertly led a proactive team, building from seven dietitians to 93 staff which alongside dietitians now includes nutrition nurses, psychologists, and assistant practitioners.
“Her commitment and resilience to lead has been apparent to all staff who have worked with her and culminated in her move from strategic lead for community dietetics to successful appointment as Head of Nutrition and Dietetics for the Health Board in 2022.”
Helen was praised by clinical directors for her “can do” attitude to everything she does. She has also made a significant contribution to change and service improvement by implementing children and adult weight management services, and community resource teams.
“Helen’s special passion for diabetes care has contributed to diabetes services that are nothing less than exceptional and gold standard, understanding the difference this makes to people’s quality of life,” added the dietetics team spokesperson.
“Her drive and commitment have been central to establishing both diabetes education programmes and All-Wales Diabetes Prevention Programme which are now operational in all seven health boards in Wales.”
Helen has been called upon to share her expertise and knowledge on system-wide working by the Welsh Government and senior leadership groups to develop Wales-wide policies and strategies, driving services from prevention to specialist interventions.
“Helen’s reputation precedes her, being highly thought of throughout therapies and the wider Health Board. She was a compassionate leader and her contribution to dietetics was invaluable - she will be greatly missed."
This Dietitians Week, which runs from 3-7 June, celebrates dietetics as a career. For more information on Dietitians Week please go to the BDA website here