Working life: Irene Lynch, dietitian, CUH

8.30am

People with chronic kidney disease require a unique and individualised diet depending on their level of kidney function and the possible presence of other conditions, for example diabetes.

I check blood test results and I may need to phone patients to advise if any further dietary changes are required.

10am

Along with my colleague Fiona Byrne, I ’m currently at the planning stage of setting up a research project looking at the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in people post kidney transplant. It’s a collaborative project and will give important information on future guidelines.

12 noon

I work on developing resources to support patients in following their special diets. I develop diet sheets and recipe booklets and keep other health professionals abreast of developments in renal nutrition.

As part of my continuous professional development, I spend time reading the latest research or any new guidelines.

1-1.30pm

I have lunch break on campus.

1.30pm

At the outpatient clinic, I review and meet new patients. I analyse their usual intake, their dietary likes and dislikes and any allergies or food intolerances. I take height and weight measurements. Once I’ve seen their blood results, I calculate their dietary requirements and I discuss particular nutrients with them. No added salt is the cornerstone of a renal diet, so I’d look at salt intake and ways to reduce that.

3pm

I see regular patients for reviews every three to six months. I check blood mineral levels. If potassium levels are high it can affect the heart muscle. High phosphate levels can cause bone disease. Giving patients new dietary advice that sometimes seems to conflict with general health advice can come as a big surprise and needs to be explained in a practical way.

4pm

I also provide a service to patients in the kidney transplant clinic.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight is very important post transplant, as is maintaining a healthy cholesterol level and prevention of bone disease.

5pm

Home to my three kids, Clara (2), Lucy (4), Cillian (6 ) and husband Barry.

Irene Lynch is senior dietitian, Cork University Hospital (CUH)