Tube Feeding
Our paediatric dietician has a wealth of knowledge and experience with supporting people with a feeding tube. Aimee understands the importance of 'normalising' feeding as much as possible. This might include working towards a regime which replicates typical meal times. Or it might be finding a regime which your child can tolerate and give them the all important quality of life they deserve. She
What it is
Tube feeding delivers nutrition directly to the stomach when oral feeding is unsafe, inadequate or distressing. NG tubes are short-term; gastrostomy is long-term. Common indications include neurological impairment with unsafe swallow, faltering growth despite oral feeding, post-surgical recovery, oncology pathway support and severe gastro-oesophageal reflux.
When this is relevant
- Unsafe swallow on videofluoroscopy.
- Faltering growth despite optimised oral feeding and dietetics.
- Recurrent aspiration pneumonia.
- Established tube-feeding child needing structured ongoing care.
- Family of a child being considered for gastrostomy and wanting an independent second opinion.
How we investigate
Detailed feeding and growth history, examination, videofluoroscopy via partner SLT service, bloods (FBC, ferritin, vitamin D, B12, electrolytes, magnesium, phosphate), bone density where long-term.
Options at The Vesey
- Feed regime optimisation - bolus vs continuous, daytime vs overnight, formula selection.
- Blended-diet support for families preferring real-food enteral feeds.
- Routine tube monitoring - skin care, stoma assessment, position checks.
- Wean-from-tube programmes with multidisciplinary input where appropriate.
- Specialist referral for tube replacement, gastrostomy placement or revision.
- Family training on tube management at home.
What is the difference between an NG tube and a gastrostomy? +
A nasogastric (NG) tube passes through the nose into the stomach and is used short-term. A gastrostomy (PEG or button) is surgically placed through the abdominal wall and is preferred for long-term or permanent tube feeding.
Can my tube-fed child have a blended real-food diet? +
Yes. Blended diets using real food are safe for many gastrostomy-fed children and can support oral feeding development. Our dietician will assess tube type, flow rate and nutritional completeness before recommending this approach.
How do we know when my child is ready to wean off tube feeding? +
Readiness cues include adequate oral intake to meet growth needs, a safe and enjoyable experience of food, and stable weight gain without the tube contribution. Weaning is a gradual, structured process — usually over several months with dietetic-led monitoring.
What blood monitoring does a tube-fed child need? +
At minimum: FBC, ferritin, vitamin D, B12, folate, electrolytes, magnesium, phosphate, zinc and selenium. For long-term gastrostomy patients, bone density assessment is recommended. We coordinate a monitoring plan appropriate to the child's formula and clinical status.
Pricing at a glance
Initial paediatric consultation £260 (60-minute slot). Paediatric dietetics from £180. Tube-feeding multidisciplinary review on individual quotation. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to book
Book if your child is being considered for tube feeding, you have an established tube-fed child and want structured monitoring, or you are considering weaning from tube to oral.
Cost and pathway
Initial paediatric consultation £260 (60-minute slot). Paediatric dietetics from £180. Tube-feeding multidisciplinary review on individual quotation.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our paediatric team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.88/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
View our paediatric services →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727