What is tracheostomy decannulation?
Tracheostomy decannulation is the process of removing your child’s tracheostomy and making sure he or she is breathing well without it. There are two ways to decannulate: surgical decannulation and ward decannulation. The most common one is ward decannulation, which is covered by this leaflet. If your child is likely to have a surgical decannulation, the clinical nurse specialist and doctors will explain this fully to you. Your child may be able to ‘trial’ a ward decannulation if he or she has recovered naturally from the problem or if it has been surgically corrected. The decision about how and when to decannulate your child is always made after discussion with you. Throughout the process, the clinical nurse specialist, nurses and doctors will keep you informed of your child’s progress and any future plans. You will also meet the ward psychologist throughout the decannulation process so you can talk about any worries or concerns. The process of ward decannulation has been developed an
