In the Northeast of England, we as neighbouring trusts have noticed changes within our adult patient population with specific regard to the age range of new referrals, primary diagnoses and feeding tube types/routes of feeding.
In 2024, the Gateshead HEF Team completed and presented the BAPEN and MAG supported National HEF Population Survey at the BAPEN Conference in Gateshead.
We are keen to continue to build on this project and explore the demographics of our adult patient caseload, their underlying diagnosis and find any trends in the feeding routes being used in this client group alongside the use of blended diets in the adult population.
This year three Northeast HEF teams have collaborated to enhance survey participation to allow a clearer view of trends.
Building on the framework from last year we hope to increase the number of HEF departments surveyed and therefore provide information on a larger number of HEF service users (2024 survey; 5341 HEF patients included).
We hope to show trends in the Adult HETF caseload and determine how best to meet the Dietetic needs of a changing population. The survey will also allow us to observe new practice in HEF including blended diet use in adults.
As such we need your help to complete this year’s survey.
Healthcare professionals involved with supporting adult Home Enteral Feeding (HEF) clients across the UK. We really need that person(s) to have access to information to be able to estimate caseload numbers and patient types.
The survey launched on 4th August 2025 in line with PINNT Home Artificial Nutrition Awareness (HAN) Week and will remain open for 6 weeks.
Your data will be anonymised and presented by geographical region. Data will be presented in publications and reports, presentations, on BAPEN and PENG websites and through social media.
Completing the survey will also give you the opportunity to win a £25 Amazon Gift Voucher!
Please scan the QR code, or click here to take part.If you have any questions about the survey, please contact:
Lesley Freeman: lesley.freeman8@nhs.net
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, Gateshead, United Kingdom
Helen Harrison: helen.harrison4@nhs.net
Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
