Nutrition Support Unit

The Nutrition Support Unit, which works at Hacettepe University İhsan Doğramacı Children's Hospital, is a team in which specialists from different health fields come together to meet children's nutritional needs in the most accurate and safe way. Physicians, nurses, dietitians and pharmacists work together in this team. The team's aim is to support each child's recovery with an evidence-based nutrition plan suited to the child's age, illness and individual needs.

Nutrition support therapy covers special feeding methods given by tube (enteral) or intravenously (parenteral) when children cannot take in enough food by mouth. Before treatment begins, the child's medical and nutritional status is evaluated. After a suitable feeding method is determined, the family is informed and their consent is obtained.

During treatment, the Nutrition Support Unit visits the child at regular intervals while the child is in the hospital, daily if necessary; it monitors weight, follows the results of laboratory tests and intervenes in problems that may develop. It advises ward staff on the safe use of the nutrition products and devices used in treatment. When necessary, it also trains family members in home feeding practices.

The team serves during working hours on weekdays.

For any questions about nutrition therapy, please consult our healthcare team. You can find some information about nutrition support at the links below.