Placement of nasogastric tubes

Placement of nasogastric tubes This investigation report looks at nasogastric tubes and how previously identified safety improvements for the placement of these tubes are put into practice.

Nasogastric (NG) tubes are used to deliver fluid, food and medication to patients via a tube that passes through the nose and down into the stomach. There is a risk of serious harm and risk to life if NG tubes are incorrectly placed into the lungs, rather than the stomach, and feed is passed through them. Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch

See also:

• NHS guidance ‘too long to read,’ say hospital staff as safety watchdog exposes systemic risks to patients The Independent