Celebrating Allied Health Professions Day – 14 October 2025

Being an Allied Health Professional isn’t just about the care we give, it’s about the ripple-effect created by that care. Every AHP plays a part in shaping healthier communities and as a dietitian, that mission starts with food but extends far beyond the plate.

After a few rewarding years of working clinically on wards, I’ve had the privilege to step into a national role with NHS Supply Chain. This shift has allowed me to see dietetics through a wider lens, one that focuses on prevention, policy and the systems that shape how we all eat. Now, rather than influencing one meal or one patient at a time, I can influence entire menus, contracts, and supply routes that nourish millions across the NHS every single day.

That’s the power of being an Allied Health Professional; our collective expertise creates lasting change. Whether it’s a physiotherapist improving mobility, a speech therapist rebuilding confidence, or a dietitian guiding nutrition strategy, we are all united by one purpose: improving lives through practical, evidence-based action.

For me, dietetics has always been about empowerment. The work I do now connects clinical science with public health practice – helping teams across the NHS make informed, sustainable food choices that fuel both body and mind. It’s also about showing that leadership in nutrition isn’t confined to the clinic; it’s woven into supply chains, education, policy, and even the next generation of eaters. Food is fundamental to recovery. By strengthening the link between food and recovery during a patients stay we hope that people continue those positive habits beyond hospital walls. Every meal eaten is an opportunity to shift the focus from treatment to prevention helping to build long term health and not just short-term recovery.

That’s where my latest project “Even More Please!” – a second helping comes in. The book was born out of clinical experience and a desire to tackle one of the most important challenges of all: how we raise children who enjoy, understand, and feel confident around food. It’s a tool not just for parents, but community teams, catering staff and healthcare professionals who want to make feeding positive, practical and evidence led.

Allied Health Professions Day is a reminder that our work matters not only in clinic rooms, but in kitchens, classrooms and communities. It’s about connection, collaboration and the courage to innovate. As dietitians and AHPs, we have the privilege and responsibility to shape the health of our nation from the ground up, which is something truly worth celebrating.

Idrees Anwar, Lead Dietician, NHS Supply Chain: Food

Idrees Anwar – Lead Dietitian. Previous speciality gastroenterology, now food service dietitian. Working to improve the food environment for staff, visitors and patients.

Neha Patel

Profile: Deployment Specialist IM. Over three years NHS experience, specialising in diagnosis and management of ocular motility disorders and visual impairment. Specialist orthoptist.

Dan Lewin

Profile: Clinical Engagement and Implementation Lead. 18 years NHS experience, specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and ergonomics and human factors.

Simon Ball

Profile: Clinical Engagement and Implementation Manager. Over 15 years specialising in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic and pain management, latterly supporting the diversity of the primary care specialities working as a first contact practitioner in GP surgeries.

Marc Naughton

Profile: Clinical Engagement and Implementation Manager. Over 24 years of NHS experience, specialising in Acute Care Emergency Medicine.

Robert Campbell

Profile: Operating Department Practitioner for 14 years. Broad NHS background within anaesthetics and recovery, in addition specialist scrub practice in orthopaedics. Experience as an Orthopaedic Practitioner (surgical first assistant) in both NHS and private sector.

Richard Burt

Profile: Cardiac Physiologist.  Over 20 years of experience within the NHS and several years within industry across invasive cardiology, cardiac rhythm management and digital solutions.

Melissa Morton

Profile: Operating Department Practitioner for 13 years with over 17 years NHS experience in a wide range of specialities. From the accident and emergency setting to day case theatres. Previous experience working as a clinical procurement specialist within NHS trust.

Laura Stanton

Profile: Cardiac Physiologist for 22 years and 27 years NHS experience. Specialising in invasive cardiology, cardiac rhythm management.

Beverley Edwards

Profile: Cardiac Physiologist for over 15 years and over 20 years NHS experience. Specialising in invasive cardiology, particularly cardiac rhythm management. Previous industry experience as a CRM Technical Consultant. 

Amber Choudhri

Profile: Cardiac Physiologist for seven years, in the NHS. Specialising in invasive cardiology, cardiac rhythm management and electrophysiology.