60 seconds with... senior dietician Yvonne Mckenley
For 25 years, Yvonne Mckenley has been a dedicated part of Newham Hospital, serving as a senior dietitian and helping countless patients make positive changes in their health. As she approaches retirement after a remarkable 43-year career in the NHS, she reflects on her journey and shares her insights for those considering a career in healthcare.
What inspired you to become a dietitian?
I’ve always had an interest in food and nutrition, and coming from a family with a tradition of working in healthcare, it felt like a natural path for me. From studying nutrition and dietetics to starting my career, I was drawn to the idea of helping people manage their health through diet.
You’ve spent 25 years here. What has kept you here?
There have been moments when I wondered if I should move on, but I’ve stayed because the NHS is a great employer. Working here has been rewarding, and I’ve always felt that I was making a difference. The hospital has grown and changed over the years, but the sense of community and purpose has remained strong.
What are the highlights of your career?
One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is seeing patients return after a consultation and hearing how my advice has helped them. It’s rewarding when someone tells me they’ve made changes to their diet and are starting to see improvements in their health. Of course, it doesn’t happen with everyone, but when it does, it’s a great feeling.
How has your role changed over the years?
When I first started, there was a strong focus on health promotion. We used to do community outreach, set up fruit and vegetable displays, and engage more in lifestyle education. Over time, the role has become more clinically focused, dealing more with treatment-based dietetics. While the nature of the work has shifted, the core goal remains the same—helping people make healthier choices.
How do you navigate cultural sensitivities in your role?
Newham is an incredibly diverse area, and it’s important to be aware of different cultural diets and traditional cooking methods. We aim to give dietary advice that fits within people’s lifestyles, making practical and realistic recommendations. In the past, we even created booklets in multiple languages to support our patients, and one of my colleagues recently worked on a great project for the Bangladeshi community.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in dietetics?
The NHS is a fantastic place to work. It has provided me with stability and fulfilment throughout my career. If you’re passionate about healthcare and nutrition, dietetics is a rewarding path where you can make a real impact on people’s lives.
What’s next for you after retirement?
I’m not someone who rushes into things, so I plan to take my time deciding. One idea I have is to return to Scotland, where I went to university, and spend some time exploring!
Any final thoughts as you prepare to say goodbye?
It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had here. I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage others to consider a career as a dietician and here at Newham Hospital. It’s a great place to work, and I’ve been lucky to be part of such a supportive team.
Yvonne officially retires on next month, closing a remarkable chapter in her career. We thank her for her years of service and the countless lives she has touched along the way.