Intermountain Alta View Hospital
Intermountain Alta View Hospital is known for many things. From emergency services to heart, surgical, outpatient, and women and newborn services, the hospital has met the needs of the community for nearly 30 years. But what you may not know is that the hospital features top-rate dietary treatment and education.
Located at 9660 South 1300 East in Sandy, Alta View Hospital employs Lindsay Park, a clinical dietician—the only one at the hospital. Lindsay has been at Alta View for nearly eight years, and during her time she has helped patients with their dietary needs and concerns with both inpatient and outpatient methods.
“I like to help people, whether someone who’s doing well or doing education with them and seeing a light go on their head,” she said.
On the inpatient side, Lindsay visits with patients who have major dietary needs, providing them with the right education. She also gives patients nutrition support, helping patients who are fed through IVs. In this capacity, Lindsay determines how the patient should be fed, including the rate and mix of the IV fluids.
Outpatient services are even broader, as Lindsay provides education on diabetes, celiac, bowel problems, and weight loss and weight gain issues. In these cases, Lindsay meets one on one with patients to thoroughly go over diet plans and regimens that are best suited to help the individual with his or her specific needs.
“The best part is seeing people change habits and attitudes,” she says.
A significant part of Lindsay’s job includes the “Weight to Health” program, which is designed to better instruct people on how to live healthier lives.
“It’s really taken off,” she says.
The classes can be taken in one of two parts: 12-week classes or five visits with dieticians in a six-month span. In the 12-week classes Lindsay will invite various guest speakers to instruct the students. These speakers may include chefs, social workers and exercise physiologists. These classes are held four times a year and are also held at LDS, IMC and Riverton hospitals. The classes cost $250, though Lindsay says IHC SelectHealth insurance carriers are reimbursed $200.
“Everyone has enjoyed it,” Lindsay says. “The majority of participants have lost weight and inches. Everyone has seen success. It’s fun to get to know people one on one.”
Lindsay says 15 to 20 people participate in the classes. Free follow-up classes are offered.
“People like our classes because they are multidisciplinary,” she says. “We focus on behavior modification, along with diet and food. We get a lot of good feedback.”
Additionally, Lindsay teaches drug and alcohol rehab classes every Tuesday afternoon, as well as a free class at the Heart and Lung Institute, 5979 Fashion Blvd., every other Monday night at 5:30 p.m. For more information on these classes, call 801-263-2370.
“I get the most satisfaction with the classes I teach,” she says. “These classes are the most fulfilling. People want to be there to learn. We give them motivation and the tools they need.”
The dietary program at Alta View Hospital is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 801-501-2045 or visit http://intermountainhealthcare.org/hospitals/altaview.
