Referrals

Tube feeding is started in hospital, therefore referrals to HMS come from the Dietitian managing this during initiation of feeding from the local acute trusts (University Hospital Bristol, North Bristol, RUH or Weston General). 

In addition, referrals are received from trusts outside the area. This happens when a patients has received inpatient care from an alternative NHS provider (but the patient is registered with a local GP) or where a patient is moving to the local area. In these cases, the Dietitian in the Multi-Disciplinary Team associated with the patient care makes the referral.

Only a Dietitian can refer to HMS due to clinical governance.