The Parenteral Nutrition Service works with patients in Newcastle Hospitals who need to be fed directly into their bloodstream because they can’t use or absorb adequate nutrients through their gut.
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) is used to bypass the usual processes of eating and digestion. Patients may need PN on a temporary basis, including before or after surgery.
Our services
Parenteral Nutrition is carried out by placing a thin tube (catheter) into a large vein, and feeding the patient with a liquid that contains all the nutrients they need. We use two main types of PN:
- Peripheral PN where the liquid nutrition is fed to the patient through a vein in the arm.
- Central PN where the liquid nutrition is fed to the patient through a major vein in the chest.
Our service aims to establish patients safely on PN. We also provide training, advice and support to Trusts around the region.
Who you might meet
The Parenteral Nutrition Service is run by a team of nutrition professionals who work at both the Freeman Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
The team has a wide range of skills and includes:
- Surgeons – Mr Bergin, Professor Manas and Miss Randhawa
- Gastroenterologists – Dr Mountford and Dr Thompson
- Nutrition nurse specialists – Sisters Hayley Leyland, Jess McDonald and Stacey Vass
- Dietitians – Lisa Gemmell, Colette Kirk and Emma Priestley
- Pharmacists
- Clinical biochemistry staff
The team meets weekly to discuss complex patients, and to review and monitor patients already established on PN.
Accessing our service
Healthcare professionals in Newcastle Hospitals can refer patients who need PN to the relevant nutrition team.
Patients are also referred to us from other hospitals.
