Specialised Weaning Units

Below is the Model of Care for Specialised Weaning Units (SWUs). SWUs are designed to enable an effective step down from critical care for patients who continue to require invasive mechanical ventilation, following prolonged admission. Their purpose is to achieve weaning to the least invasive method of respiratory support.  

The document was produced by a multidisciplinary group of experts and has been jointly developed by BTS and the Intensive Care Society. The draft document underwent public consultation in between October and December 2022 and was published in March 2023. 

March 2023