Hospital based staff will need to ensure the community nurses have a knowledge and skills base to provide routine care needs, for example stoma care and dressings, tape/collar changes.

It will be critical to include information to explain why the individual requires the tube and what the function of the tube will be, as the community team will be required to be able to identify complications and be proficient in first line management of a problem. This will include basic life support with a tracheostomy. This emphasises the importance of nurses being adequately trained and fully competent in the care of an individual with a tracheostomy (Bunglass 1999).

The community team should be encouraged to attend the ward to meet with the staff and patient. This will provide the opportunity to discuss the patient’s clinical condition and care needs.

The care of a tracheostomy demands specialised equipment and supplies to maintain a safe and functioning airway. The community team will require details of the individual’s requirements to order in preparation for discharge and ongoing care requirements. They will also require a guide to the quantity of each item required. This will include:

• Tracheostomy tubes
• Velcro Collars/Cotton Tapes
• Tracheostomy dressings
• Heat Moisure Exchangers (HME/Swedish Nose)
• Buchanan Bibs
• Tracheostomy Masks
• Speaking Valves
• Suction Catheters
• Portable Suction Unit
• Portable Nebulizer

Community teams receiving an individual home with a tracheostomy will require details to order supplies prior to discharge. To ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home it is recommended the discharging ward should provide at least a 7 day supply of disposable supplies for the individual to take home, in case of any delay with ordering process.

Countrywide Supplies Ltd is a company who supply and deliver tracheostomy products available on prescription.

Please contact: orders@countrywidesupplies.co.uk or
customer freephone 0800 783 1659 for further information.