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170 A ied Heal Services 2020 | NMH Annual Rep t Baby Leo enjoying some quality time with his Mam Holly Ingram while he spends some time on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. up including those with sub-optimal growth, feeding issues and dietary intolerances. Optimising maternal milk and breastfeeding amongst babies born preterm remained a key priority. The impact of initiatives associated with this as well as other activities to optimise nutrition and growth amongst babies in the neonatal unit, is assessed as part of an on-going dietitian led audit. Details are included in the Neonatal Clinical Report published separately. 2020 was a year like no other, and we are most grateful to all members of the team who contributed both within the department and to supporting other colleagues and services at the NMH. New developments and quality improvement initiatives • A Hydration Clinic for assessment and treatment of women with hyperemesis was introduced on the dayward with extensive dietetic input in response to qualitative research. • Weekly Lifestyle Class for women newly diagnosed with GDM converted to an interactive live webinar delivered with diabetes midwives from March • Monthly Tus Maith Class for women with a high BMI/ weight concerns developed as a live webinar delivered with antenatal education midwife • Development of e-learning hub for antenatal education and well-baby care on the NMH website. • Development of Hollestic App tool for healthy eating in pregnancy completed. • Full nutritional analysis and revision of Hospital menus and food photography for digital menu. • Neonatal nutrition references added to NMH Guides App for hospital staff. • Introduction of an improved method to assess length of babies in the neonatal unit involving the use of a new length rod that can be used in incubators as well as cots. This was developed as a Quality Improvement Initiative (QII) with neonatal colleagues. • Nourish & Nurture class for young mothers attending the multi-disciplinary Teenage 'Daisy' Clinic. This novel nutrition and parenting program is coordinated by dietetics in close collaboration with Medical Social Work. The program is generously supported by the Linen Guild and features practical cookery demonstrations, nutrition tips and psychosocial support. The roll out of the program was delayed by the pandemic. • Dietetic phone clinics for parents of babies in the neonatal unit was introduced from the start of the pandemic restrictions. The neonatal dietitian contacted parents by phone to update them on their baby's nutrition and growth. • A dietitian-led class on nutrition post-discharge was established for parents of babies born preterm. • A once weekly dietitian-led neonatal outpatient clinic takes place in addition to on-going dietitian support for patients attending the Baby Clinic. This switched to a telehealth clinic as a result of the pandemic. • The multi-disciplinary initiatives to optimise maternal milk and breastfeeding amongst babies born preterm in the neonatal unit, PRIME (PReterm Infants need Milk Early) and PRIME-B (Breastfeeding), were ongoing. Other activities • Education including contribution to the BSc Midwifery (UCD), MSc Nutrition & Dietetics (UCD), Post-graduate Diploma Neonatal Nursing RCSI), public health nurse training at NMH. Further details on education activities and other presentations delivered by dietetic staff is included in the Multidisciplinary Education and Continuing Professional Development report. • Membership of professional groups including the Diabetes Interest Group (INDI), Neonatal Dietitians Ireland Group, Maternity Dietitians Ireland and Knutston Ireland Diabetes Counselling Course. • Representation on national groups including the HSE Neonatal and Paediatric Parenteral Nutrition Advisory Group, the HSE Baby Friendly Initiative The flexibility of all members of the team and their generous move to new ways of working was key to ensuring continuity and extension of services.