Before you start you will need:

  • Current feeding plan issued by dietitian
  • Feeding pump (check that it is fully charged or plugged in)
  • Stand (or rucksack if using)
  • Giving set (or bag with giving set attached if you are decanting feed)
  • Feed (check the expiry date)
  • Fresh tap water for flushing tube
  • 60ml enteral syringe.

Always use a new giving set and bag of feed at least once every 24 hours.

Method

  1. Wash your hands well.  Use the aseptic no-touch technique as much as possible for this whole procedure
  2. Flush your feeding tube with the amount of water recommended by the dietitian using a push/pause technique
  3. Slide the clamp down the line of the giving set and close it
  4. Open the pump door, insert the giving set into position and close it firmly
  5. Spike the feed pouch or pour your feed into the bag and seal the top
  6. If the giving set has a drip chamber, squeeze it 2-3 times until it is half full of feed
  7. Turn the pump on. Clear the last volume delivered by pressing the information key for 3 seconds
  8. Ensure that you have set the correct rate (and total volume if required) as prescribed by your dietitian
  9. Prime the giving set by pressing and holding the pump priming key. This is to expel air and move feed down to the end of the giving set
  10.  Connect the giving set to the feeding tube. Open the clamp on your feeding tube if there is one
  11.  Press the start key on the pump to start the feed
  12. During a feed the patient should try to sit upright or lie at an angle of more than 30°. It is important for the head to be above the tummy.

If you need further assistance with setting up the feed contact the 24hr Fresenius Kabi helpline 0808 1001990.

If you would like this information in another format, for example large print or easy read, or if you need help communicating with us, please contact:

First Community (Head Office)

Call: 01737 775450 Email:    fchc.enquiries@nhs.net    Text: 07814 639034

Address: First Community Health and Care, Consort House, 5-7 Queensway, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1YB.

For office use only: Version 4 GU_TS003 Publication date: May 2026