Service Overview
The Speech and Language Therapy service anticipates and responds to the needs of individuals or at-risk groups who experience speech, language, communication and/or swallowing difficulties. We work in partnership with these individuals, their families and the wider multidisciplinary team to reduce the impact of these difficulties on people's wellbeing and participation in daily life. These problems may be caused by a range of disorders and disabilities, including:
- Stroke
- Degenerative neurological disorders, e.g. Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis
- Head Injury
- Head and neck cancer
- Other cancers
- Voice disorders
- Dementia
- COPD
- Post-surgical complications
- Tracheostomy
- Swallowing problems associated with the frail elderly
- Learning disability
What to Expect
We see patients during hospital admissions and in a clinic setting for outpatients. Home visits can also be arranged if necessary.
Input will involve specialist assessment and treatment and there is close liaison with other involved professionals. We also offer two forms of instrumental assessments as needed; a videofluoroscopic swallowing exam service jointly with the radiology team, and access to FEES (fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing). These services can be accessed by both inpatients and outpatients.
Further Information
The outpatient Speech and Language Therapy Service is available to adults aged 18+ who are experiencing speech, language, communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
Please note that we can only accept referrals from Dartford and Gravesham Consultants for those patients who have a Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley GP. We also offer two forms of instrumental assessments as needed; a videofluoroscopic swallowing exam service jointly with the radiology team, and access to FEES (fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing). These services can be accessed by both inpatients and outpatients.
Department hours
- Monday - Friday, 8:30am until 4:30pm
- Waiting times are 2 weeks for urgent patients and 8 weeks for routine.
Contact
- Telephone: 01322 428 593 (24-hour voicemail)
- Health Professionals (regarding enquiries, referrals, etc): dgn-tr.sltdvh@nhs.net
This service is available to adults aged 18+ who are experiencing communication and/ or swallowing difficulties as a result of cancer or the treatment of cancer.
We will see patients during hospital admissions and in a clinic setting for outpatients. Home visits can also be arranged if necessary.
Input will involve specialist assessment and treatment and there is close liaison with other involved professionals. We also offer two forms of instrumental assessments as needed; a videofluoroscopic swallowing exam service jointly with the radiology team, and access to FEES (fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing). These services can be accessed by both inpatients and outpatients.
Department hours
- Monday - Friday, 8:00am until 4:00pm
- We aim to see patients within 2 weeks of the referral
Contact
- Telephone: 01322 428 593 (24-hour voicemail)
- Email: dgn-tr.sltdvh@nhs.net
Please click here to watch the Reflux and the Voice Video, presented by, Georgia Tutt.
Emergency contact info:
If you have think you have a genuine life-threatening emergency, visit the Accident & Emergency (also known as Emergency Department or casualty.) Alternatively, call 999.
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