Basic Care, Done Well

This session covers basic knowledge required to keep patients safe if they have a tracheostomy and laryngectomy, including:

•   Humidification
•   Stoma care
•   Securing the tube
•   Maintenance: suction, inner tubes and cuffs
•   Maintenance: physiotherapy and nutrition
•   Maintenance: planned tube changes

Tracheostomies are increasingly common in hospitals and multidisciplinary staff are frequently called upon to troubleshoot problems and provide advice.

Patients with tracheostomies often need help with breathing or coughing, which makes them vulnerable if problems occur with their airway.