Implementation of safety improvements for the placement of nasogastric tubes

The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) has launched an investigation looking 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.

HSIB has started this investigation after they were notified of a patient who inadvertently had a nasogastric tube inserted into his lung.

Further information

Source: HSIB, 7 January 2020