What does an Adult Speech and Language Therapist do?

Speech and Language Therapy Service leaflet - Small versionThe Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service anticipates and responds to the needs of individuals or at-risk groups who may experience speech, language, communication and/or swallowing difficulties. The service works in partnership with these individuals, their families and with other members of the multidisciplinary team to reduce the impact of these difficulties on people's well-being and their ability to participate in daily life. These problems may have been caused by a range of disorders and disabilities including:

  • Stroke
  • Degenerative neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease and 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

The SLT service is involved in training other staff groups to screen for dysphagia and to help manage patients with communication and swallowing difficulties.

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

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