Tracheostomy guidelines

A trachestomy is a surgical opening in the anterior wall of the trachea to facilitate ventilation; the opening is usually maintained by use of a tracheostomy tube. The procedure may be performed either surgically or by a percutaneous method.

St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a national leader in tracheostomy guidance and the following pages, provided specifically for healthcare professionals performing tracheostomy or caring for tracheostomised patients, outline the most current guidance provided by the Trust.

For more information about these pages please contact Deborah Dawson on email: deborah.dawson@stgeorges.nhs.uk

Further information can be found via the following external links:

Standards for the care of adult patients with a temporary tracheostomy
(via The Intensive Care Society website)

Protecting patients who are neck breathers
(via National Patient Safety Agency)