Raising awareness and removing the stigma around tube feeding

Around 40,000 people in the UK are currently tube fed, a therapy where a feeding tube supplies nutrients to people who cannot get enough nutrition through eating.

Although some may think that tube feeding is relatively uncommon, new research shows that nearly two in five (38%) Brits know someone who has been tube fed.

The findings come from the support website ‘Talking Tube Feeding’, which highlights the lack of awareness of the condition. The site offers support and personal stories created by healthcare professionals and tube feeding families. It exists to empower choice – sharing knowledge and personal experiences to enable tube fed individuals to live their best lives.

Aston spoke to Annina Whipp, paediatric dietitian and health writer.