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.