Speech PathologySpeech Pathology
Speech Pathologists are specialists in the assessment and treatment of individuals with communication and/or swallowing difficulties. Communication and/or swallowing difficulties may result in problems chewing/swallowing food or fluid; speech; pragmatics; fluency and voice.
Speech Pathologists see both adult and children populations if they require help in any of the above areas.
Inpatient Services
Speech Pathologists assess and provide intervention to any person admitted to the acute or inpatient rehabilitation wards as a result of a stroke, neurological disorders (Parkinson's Disease, Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis), respiratory difficulties (Tracheostomy, Chronic Obstruction Pulmonar Disease) and dementia.
Outpatient Services
The Speech Pathology Department provides an outpatient service to adults through the Community Rehabilitation Centre (CRC). This includes the assessment and treatment of individuals who have a communication and/or swallowing problem as a result of stroke, neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease and voice. The Speech Pathologist closely works with other disciplines such as physiotherapy, dietetics and occupational therapy to provide the best possible practice to the patient.
Community Services
The Speech Pathology Department provides a community service to both children and adults which is located in the Margaret Boyd Centre, in Dixon Street, at NHW. We have Speech Pathologist's who see children prior to school entry with speech, swallowing and language problems (including stuttering, voice, articulation problems, paediatric feeding, phonological difficulties or delays in language development). We also assess and provide intervention for adults with communication and/or swallowing difficulties. This service is different from our outpatient service as we see adults that only require a interdisciplinary approach (speech pathology only) rather than a multidisciplinary (physiotherapy, occupational therapy).