Speech Pathology

General Information

Description of Service

The Speech Pathology Department provides the best quality intervention for clients and their families who present with speech, language and/or swallowing problems. We liaise with community-based services and educate the wider community, fostering early detection and prevention of speech, language and swallowing disorders. The Speech Pathology Department provides both Inpatient and Outpatient services. Each works independently of the other, so please check that you read the correct information.

Outpatient Services

Eligibility Criteria

• Preschool (aged 0-6 years) children who are not receiving Speech Pathology services from another agency.
• Any adult ineligible for services from another agency

Referral Process

• Written referral from any professional involved with the client.
  e.g. General Practioner, Maternal & Child Health Nurse, Kinder Teacher.
• Referrals are processed upon receipt and clients contacted with an assessment appointment at the earliest opportunity.  
  N.B. The assessment waiting time may be as long as four months.
  Assessment appointments will not be booked without a written referral.

Assessment Process

• Clients will receive an assessment package one week before their designated appointment. This provides details of the content and what is required from the client.
• At the conclusion of the assessment clients will be booked into a therapy program as required.

Therapy

• Therapy may be provided in the form of a group, individual or home program. This will be negotiated with the client.
• Carer education and participation is a critical component of all service delivery.

Inpatient Services

Referral Process

Referrals are made in writing on the Allied Health referral form. The Speech Pathology Department should be notified by telephone that a referral has been made.
Referrals may be made by any member of the management team, however all intervention must be sanctioned by the Unit Medical Officer(s).

Documentation

Assessment and management information will be recorded in the patient's unit record in accordance with Hospital Policy.

Who Do We See?

• Patients who have had a stroke or other neurological problem.
• Patients who have diseases that affect communication and/or swallowing.
• Patients who have a structural problem that interferes with their ability to communicate or swallow.

Links

• Speech Pathology Australia Website: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
• The Maroondah Approach to Clinical Services - M.A.C.S.