Enteral and Home Parenteral Nutrition Support Group

Some patients require specialised nutrition support to meet their daily nutritional needs, especially when they are unable to eat or absorb food in the usual way. This may involve tube feeding or receiving nutrition through a vein at home. Adjusting to nutrition support can be physically, emotionally, and socially challenging for both patients and their caregivers.

The Nutrition Support Care Support Group aims to promote awareness of nutrition support services for patients requiring enteral nutrition or home parenteral nutrition. The group is led by Nutrition Support Service Specialty Nurse Clinician Janet Chong and supported by the Nutrition Support Team.

There are two types of nutrition support groups under this programme:

• Enteral Nutrition (EN) Support Group for patients on gastrostomy tube feeding
• Home Parenteral Nutrition Support Group for patients receiving nutrition through intravenous therapy at home

The aim of the group is to provide education, peer support, and a safe space for patients and caregivers to connect, share experiences, and learn how to cope with the daily realities of nutrition support care.

Who is this for

• Patients on gastrostomy tube feeding
• Patients receiving home parenteral nutrition
• Family members and caregivers supporting someone on enteral or parenteral nutrition

How we support these groups of patients

• Regular group meetings held every three to four months
• Educational talks, events, and activities related to nutrition support care
• A platform for patients and caregivers to share experiences, practical tips, and coping strategies
• Psychological, emotional, and physical support through education and counselling
• Befriending services and social activities to reduce isolation and build connections

The group focuses on empowering patients and caregivers with knowledge and confidence to manage nutrition support safely and effectively, while also addressing the emotional and social aspects of long‑term nutrition care.

Sessions and activities are designed to be supportive and inclusive, allowing participants to learn from healthcare professionals as well as from one another’s lived experiences.