25 May 2026

Austin Health’s Tracheostomy Review and Management Service (TRAMS) is an internationally recognised team who care for and support patients with a tracheostomy.

As the team prepares to host the International Tracheostomy Symposium in October we spoke with TRAMS Manager Prue Gregson about her role, how TRAMS supports patients, and what is planned for the symposium.

What is your role and what is TRAMS? 

I am the Manager of TRAMS (Tracheostomy Review and Management Service). TRAMS is a specialised, multidisciplinary service dedicated to supporting individuals with tracheostomies across the continuum of care, from acute to subacute and into the community setting. Our focus is on ensuring safe and high-quality care throughout the patient journey, from tracheostomy insertion through to decannulation and living with a long-term tracheostomy.  

How did you get into this role? 

I am a Speech Pathologist and have always had a strong clinical interest in airway management and complex care. My clinical experience has predominantly been in critical care where I became increasingly involved in tracheostomy care, recognising both the challenges patients and staff face and the opportunity to improve outcomes through coordinated, specialist support. This led me to pursue a more focused role within TRAMS, where I could contribute to service development, education, and system-wide improvements in care. 

What does TRAMS do to support tracheostomy patients both inpatient and outpatients? 

TRAMS provides comprehensive, patient-centred care across the continuum. In the inpatient setting, we support tracheostomy care, complex clinical decision-making and safe and  timely progression toward decannulation, working closely with treating teams to optimise outcomes and reduce complications. For those transitioning to the community, TRAMS provides comprehensive training to patients, families and care givers, ongoing MDT management and support  and coordination with external community providers.. A key part of our role is empowering patients and those around them with the knowledge and skills to manage tracheostomies safely and confidently outside the hospital environment. TRAMS is also a NDIS provider through Ability@Austin.

How does TRAMS support staff in tracheostomy management? Education? 

Education and capacity-building are central to what we do. TRAMS provides structured training programs for both internal and external attendees, including an annual Interprofessional Fundamentals of Tracheostomy workshop, bedside teaching, in-services and simulation-based education to support staff across disciplines and levels of experience. As previously mentioned, we are also responsible for the teaching of training for patients, families and caregivers.

Any exciting plans for TRAMS over the next 12 months?

One of the most exciting developments this year is that Austin Health, in partnership with the Royal Children's Hospital and the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative, will be hosting the International Tracheostomy Symposium (ITS) on 1 October 2026.

Since Austin Health hosted the inaugural event and subsequent events (2011, 2014, 2019), the ITS has evolved into a truly global event. Past conferences have been hosted by world-leading centres including Johns Hopkins Medical Centre (Baltimore), UT Southwestern Medical Centre (Texas), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (Manchester, UK), and recently the University of Chicago (Chicago). Austin Health are delighted to be bringing the 10th ITS back to Melbourne in 2026. The ITS is now recognised as the premier global meeting for multidisciplinary clinicians, surgeon, patients, families, and industry partners, providing a dynamic forum to share innovations, research and best clinical practice.  A defining feature of the ITS has always been the inclusion of consumer voices. Previous meetings have been profoundly shaped by patient and family speakers and stories. These perspectives have grounded the conference with lived experience. 

This is a significant opportunity to showcase the work being done locally and globally, connect with international leaders in tracheostomy care, and bring the latest evidence and innovation to our service. For TRAMS, it’s an opportunity to further strengthen our network, share our model of care and continue driving improvements in outcomes for patients both within our organisation and beyond.