Our altered airway service provides support for patients with tracheostomies and laryngectomies for both cancer and benign reasons.
A tracheostomy is an opening into the trachea, where a tracheostomy tube is placed. This can be done to help with breathing, clearing a build-up of secretions or bypassing an airway obstruction. It can also help wean from sedation and ventilatory support. The reason for insertion will depend on whether the tube is temporary or permanent.
A laryngectomy is the permanent removal of the upper airway (larynx). This includes the voice box and the formation of a stoma at the front of the neck and is usually done as part of cancer treatment.
Our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is made up of specialist surgeons, oncologists, cancer clinical nurse specialists (CNS), radiologists and histopathologists.
What to expect from our service
Once you have been referred, you may meet one of the altered airway Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) as an outpatient to talk about a planned tracheostomy or laryngectomy. We will talk about the surgery, the day-to-day maintenance of the altered airway and show you different types of tracheostomies, laryngectomy tubes and stoma covers.
Post-surgery will see you in hospital and check the tracheostomy or laryngectomy site is healing. We will support you in learning how to look after it before you are discharged from our service.
Once you are discharged home, we will see you in our follow-up clinic for ongoing support. You can also contact us by telephone or text if you have any questions or concerns.
We will also refer you to your local district nurses who you can get specific supplies from. The district nurse team may not need to offer you any physical support but will be able to order supplies for your suction machine and nebuliser machine through NHS Supplies. The team will provide you with the supply codes during the referral process.
Contact details
Altered airway Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team
Our CNS team is available from Monday to Friday, 07:00-17:00 (excluding bank holidays and weekends). The team can be contacted via telephone or email.
Speech and language therapy team
Our speech and language therapy team can advise you on problems affecting your swallowing and communication.
Acute Oncology Services (AOS)
For any patients on anti–cancer treatment who suffer from:
- a temperature of 37.5C or above
- flu-like symptoms
- shivers/chills or feel poorly
Please call the AOS 24-hour emergency helpline straight away:
Last reviewed: 07 October 2025