Description
The role of the Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) is to assess, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. We work as part of a multi-disciplinary team which includes patients, their families, carers, the medical team, nursing staff and allied health professionals. We provide education to patients, families and hospital staff in communication and swallowing impairments.
The SLT Department provides a service across a broad range of areas including care of the elderly, general medical and surgical specialities, respiratory medicine, gastoenterology, neurology and critical care. The service is provided to both inpatients and outpatients.
We work primarily with adults but provide an assessment service for swallowing disorders to paediatric inpatients and outpatients.
A videofluoroscopy service for the objective evaluation of swallowing is provided in conjunction with the Radiology Department.
This department provides practice education to speech and language therapists in training and is also actively involved in providing supervision to SLT's seeking to obtain post graduate qualifications in Dysphagia (difficulty or discomfort in swallowing).
Philosophy
The philosophy of the department reflects that of the hospital in endeavouring to provide the highest quality of care while at all times respecing the privacy and dignity of our patients.
Location
The Speech and Language Therapy Department is located on the ground floor of the hospital, near the POLAR Unit and COPD Outreach Departments.