PAT Phillips was the first dietitian employed by the local health service in 1969.

And 30 years on the woman who established the service is still there - heading a vastly changed profession.

On Friday, the Wigan and Leigh Health Services NHS Trust dietetics service manager joined a 30th birthday celebration lunch which was attended by previous managers and staff.

From a small, hospital based service dietetics in Wigan and Leigh has grown to a staff of around 15, spread between hospital and community bases, and with staff who specialise in diabetes, heart disease and paediatrics.

The dietitians have an important role in health promotion and health education, working with schools and colleges in the borough.

Pat said: "Developments in science and technology have had a big impact on our work.

"New techniques for providing nutrition to seriously ill patients have developed, research has given us a much better scientific base for our diet advice, and information technology means the latest knowledge is much more easily available to us."

"I am delighted to be commemorating this milestone in local health services. I know how much the service is valued because the demand continues to grow.

"It's been wonderful to see the profession develop over the years, and I am grateful to have had the chance to make a contribution."

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