17th June 2026
Dietitians across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust are helping patients access specialist care closer to home.
This includes the Home Enteral Tube Feeding (HETF) service, which supports over 120 adults to manage tube feeding safely at home. Established in 2008, the service was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and has grown to become an important part of community healthcare. By working closely with community nursing, dietetic and learning disability teams, it ensures patients receive consistent, specialist care while reducing the need for hospital visits.
Ashleigh Nelson and Rachel Wright, Home Enteral Tube Feeding (HETF) Coordinators, said:
“A big part of our role is helping patients and carers feel confident managing tube feeding at home. By providing advice, training and ongoing support, we help reduce stress and make sure people feel supported in their day-to-day care.”
Rachel added:
“Our team also plans the routine replacement of gastrostomy feeding tubes every three to four months. Carrying this out at home helps prevent complications such as infection, leakage and tube dislodgement, while reducing the need for hospital visits.”
Patients and carers say it is reassuring to have a named contact and specialist support available in their local area.
A pilot Advanced Practice Dietitian role, based in GP practices in Portadown, is also improving access to early assessment and support. This innovative post supports patients with lower gastrointestinal conditions such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Through clinical assessment, appropriate investigations and first-line dietary advice, patients can access the right care at the right time and in the right place.
Liz O’Connor, Advanced Practice Dietitian in Primary Care in Portadown, added:
“This role allows us to assess and support patients much earlier, helping to manage symptoms quickly and giving people clear, practical advice. By seeing patients in a primary care setting, we can improve access to care and help avoid the need for more complex interventions later on.”
Mandy Gilmore, Head of Dietetics, said:
“These services show the vital role our dietetic teams play in supporting patients and families every day. By working together across teams, we are delivering more care in the community, improving patient experience and ensuring care is provided as close to home as possible.
“The support provided by our dietetic teams helps people maintain their independence and become more confident in managing their own conditions, while receiving safe, high-quality care in familiar surroundings.”