Joan Gavin

I am a registered children’s dietitian with over 20 years’ clinical experience in the NHS and with particular expertise in food allergies and gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

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I have a BSc Honours degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, a Postgraduate Certificate in Allergy and a Masters Degree in Applied Paediatric Nutrition from Southampton University. I also have a Diploma in Child Psychology and significant experience in dealing with babies and children with feeding behaviour problems.

I am registered with The British Dietetic Association and Health Care Professions Council. I am a member of the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the Food Allergy and Intolerance Specialist Group of the British Dietetic Association.

I am a mother to two boys and juggle parenthood with running my own freelance business as a specialist paediatric dietitian, both of which are hugely enjoyable and rewarding experiences.

I offer virtual video clinics on Monday and Wednesday mornings to enable patients around the UK to access my service and a private face to face clinic for children aged 0 to 18 years at Spire Hospital, Southampton on Tuesday evenings for those living locally.

 
“My son is keen to follow your instructions. I thought you were amazing with him. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive results at the next appointment.”
— Claire, Winchester (child aged 9 years, fussy eater)
 
 
“I am so grateful to Joan, her expertise, advice, positivity and compassion meant the world to us. I can honestly say she has fixed us. It is lovely to see my baby so happy now.”
— Abby, Southampton (baby with milk allergy)

What is a dietitian?

A Dietitian is a health professional who translates the latest nutritional science and research into practical guidance about food, allowing the individual to make appropriate food and lifestyle choices for their health.

Dietitians hold the only legally recognized graduate qualification in nutrition and dietetics in the UK, and are the only nutrition professionals to be regulated by law and governed by ethical code, to ensure they work to the highest standard.

Dietitians must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (www.hcpc-uk.org) and be a member of their professional body, the British Dietetic Association (www.bda.uk.com) in order to practice. The minimum requirement to qualify as a Dietitian is a university degree in Dietetics.

The title ‘Nutritionist’ is not protected by law, and anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.

 
“Our daughter was refluxing multiple times every evening after feeds despite medication. Seeing Joan was the best and most effective thing we did. Joan was kind, understanding and empathetic throughout and the plan she had created for our daughter brought about more change than anything else we had tried. To us she was helpful beyond measure!”
— Emily (8 month old baby with reflux)
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Guest dietitian - Nicky Heather

I have been a specialist paediatric Dietitian for more than 20 years in the NHS working at Southampton Children’s Hospital and am a member of the British Dietetic Association and registered with the HCPC. Like Joan, I have experience in dietetic treatment for a range of gut related conditions such constipation, reflux, irritable bowel syndrome and coeliac disease but I can also offer specific extensive expertise in:

Weight Management: I have a keen interest in helping children and young people and with weight management strategies. I believe in a healthy, balanced diet approach with emphasis on portion control alongside encouragement to adopt a more active lifestyle. I like to focus on adapting individual intakes and routines to provide a practical solution to achieve weight loss.

Sports Nutrition: I have a Sports nutrition diploma through the British Dietetic Association. With an interest in all things fitness and sport, plus being keen runner and cyclist myself, I am passionate about fuelling the body correctly for optimal performance. I use established scientific principles to optimise dietary intake using everyday foods. I have a passion for the outdoors. I run for fun but also like to compete too. I am an active member of my local running groups and frequently lead group runs and have recently run the Virgin London Marathon 2021 in aid of the British Lung Foundation/ Asthma UK; a charity close to my heart.

So if you are seeking specific advice on either sports nutrition or weight loss for your child, Nicky will be able to help you. You can email her directly on nickyheatherdietetics@gmail.com. 

 
 
 
 

You can check if a dietitian is registered on these websites: