What IHNAPA has achieved so far, and what we are working on now
IHNAPA was set up to give a national voice to people who rely on artificial nutrition at home and in residential care, and to the families and carers who support them. Their care crosses acute hospitals, community services and the home, and too often no single part of the system sees the whole picture. Here is what we have done so far, and where we are focusing next.
Advocacy for patients and families
Advocated nationally for more than 100 patients receiving artificial nutrition across Ireland, along with their families and carers.
Represented the needs of people receiving Home Enteral Nutrition, PEG feeding and Home Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).
Provided practical guidance, information and support to patients, families and professionals navigating the move from hospital-based care to care at home.
Highlighted the psychological, social and family impact of long-term artificial nutrition and brought these issues into national policy discussions.
National policy work
Submitted a national policy brief to the Minister for Health: The National Case for Change – Developing a National Home Artificial Nutrition Programme for Ireland.
Submitted a separate policy brief to the Minister of State for Mental Health on the need for a National Mental Health Framework for Home Artificial Nutrition patients and family carers.
Sent 87 letters to TDs and political representatives to raise awareness of the challenges facing artificial nutrition patients and their families.
Prepared an evidence-based response to the withdrawal of the HSE Adult Home Enteral Nutrition Guideline, setting out the potential patient-safety, clinical and governance risks.
Called for patients and carers to be formally included in developing any replacement national Home Enteral Nutrition or Home Artificial Nutrition framework.
Completed a detailed assessment of the Sláintecare 2025 Progress Report and 2026 Action Plan, identifying their relevance to Home Artificial Nutrition and patient participation.
Building the case for a national programme
Developed a national proposal for a coherent Home Artificial Nutrition programme spanning hospitals, community services, homecare providers, patients and carers.
Developed an implementation framework covering regional pathways, workforce training, governance, procurement, reporting and quality improvement.
Produced detailed recommendations on patient safety, clinical governance, discharge planning, training, equipment provision and community support.
Produced an economic report examining the costs, service requirements and wider economic impact of Home Artificial Nutrition in Ireland.
Compiled approximately 800 pages of research, evidence, policy proposals and supporting documentation.
Partnerships
IHNAPA has partnered with Ulster University, and together we currently have an application under consideration for PEACEPLUS funding. We have also built stronger links with the multidisciplinary professionals involved in artificial nutrition care, including consultants, dietitians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, Public Health Nurses, Community Intervention Teams, pharmacists and palliative-care teams, and developed a proposed model for IHNAPA to act as Ireland's national patient-professional partnership organisation for Home Artificial Nutrition.
What we are working on now
Continuing to press for a National Home Artificial Nutrition Programme, and for patients and carers to have a formal seat at the table.
Following up our Ministerial submissions with the Department of Health.
Progressing our PEACEPLUS application with Ulster University.
Launching independent nutrition and residential care governance reviews for nursing homes, so that the patient and carer experience shapes how care is checked and improved.
Sharing our research and evidence through conferences, publications and professional networks.
If you are a patient, family member, carer or professional and would like to get involved, please contact us at admin@ihnapa.com.
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