Speech and language therapy

The speech and language therapy department aims to provide comprehensive assessment, advice and treatment of communication and swallowing impairments arising from a variety of causes.

Speech and language therapists are core members of the multidisciplinary team working with stroke patients as well as across all general wards, within the intensive care setting and within the neonatal units. They also work alongside consultant colleagues in a range of specialist clinics as well as providing instrumental assessment of swallowing disorders using videofluoroscopy and FEES (Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing).

An outpatient service is available for patients referred with voice disorders, those with head and neck cancer, babies and children with cleft lip / palate. Some home / school visits are also arranged if necessary.

Referrals for head and neck specialist SLT and cleft lip and palate specialist SLT are via consultant.
Referrals for the voice and upper airways specialist SLT team are via consultants (ENT, Respiratory (inc. asthma /allergy), GPs (with relevant tests beforehand), other therapists (e.g. respiratory physiotherapist).
Following agreement with the GP, community SLT teams can refer patients for outpatient videofluoroscopy assessment.