Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Babies and children who have swallowing difficulties or are unable to meet their nutritional requirements short or long term but have a functioning gut, are increasingly being enterally fed with the use of an enteral tube.
Enteral tube feeding as a means of nutritional support has extended from the hospital to the community where it is a rapidly growing area of home care therapy.
If your child is being discharged home with a feeding tube, then you should have the following before you leave the ward:
- Signed competencies for at least 2 adults in the household
- A tube feeding discharge pack including re-usable syringes for home
- Enough feed to last you at least 7 days
If your child is under the Community Nursing Team, you should also be provided with contact details for them.
If your child is also under a Dietitian, you should have contact details for these.
Preparation for home
Ward staff will train parents and carers on the following.
- Care of the feeding tube
- How to check if the tube is in the right place (if appropriate)
- How to use the feeding equipment
- How to position your baby/ child for feeding
If you are unsure about any of these, please ask for further advice from a ward nurse.
Syringes
In hospital we use single–use syringes which need to be thrown away after they have been used once.
At home you will be given re-usable syringes which can be cleaned and used again just like a baby bottle. You may need different size syringes for feeding, checking the pH (if required) and medication. The dietitian will discuss with you how many syringes you will be given for the month.
Feed
If your child is having expressed breast milk or standard infant formula via their feeding tube, then you need to continue to supply yourself.
If your child is on a specialist infant formula or a high energy milk, then you will be given a 7-day supply to take home and then this milk will be obtained on prescription from your GP or delivered by the home delivery company.
Water for NG tubes
Depending on the age of your child, and type of tube placed, you can either use cooled, boiled water for flushes or freshly drawn tap water. Your dietitian will advise you on this.
Nutricia Homeward Service
Unless we are expecting for the feeding tube to only last 2-3 weeks you will be registered for Nutricia Homeward Service, a home delivery service, who will organise for your syringes and supplies (including prescribed feeds) to be delivered to your home on a monthly basis.
Please note that to create this account we will be sharing your data/ information with the company. If you have any concerns regarding this then please speak with the CCN or Dietitian.
Contact Information
Paediatric Assessment Unit:
0300 615 4615 (evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays)
Wexham Park Community Nursing Team (CCNs)
0300 615 4617 (08.30-16.30 Mon-Fri)
Email: fhft.
Available to support with: NG tube replacement, weight checks, medications.
Wexham Park Dietitian’s Office
0300 615 3232 (08.30-16.30 Mon-Fri)
Email: fhft.
Available to support with feed tolerance issues / concerns with growth.
CYPF Dietitians: 0118 207 0932
CYPF Community nurses: 0300 365 0123 (opt 4)
Email: ccneast
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.
About this information
Service:
Dietetics
Reference:
DT/098
Approval date:
22 May 2026
Review date:
1 May 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.