Speech
pathology services at St. Vincent’s Health
Communication
difficulties can impact many aspects of a person’s life. They can put a strain
on families, relationships and even impede return to work.
Swallowing
deficits are often subtle, but may lead to further medical complications,
especially in individuals who are already
unwell. For those with swallowing problems, eating and drinking may become a
chore and mealtime becomes less enjoyable.
Speech pathologists are specially trained in identifying communication
and swallowing problems, and aim for the best possible outcome.
Speech
pathologists are an intrinsic part of the health care team at St. Vincent’s.
They work closely with nurses, doctors and other
health professionals who care for patients and their families. 
What
do speech pathologists do?
Many
illnesses may cause difficulties with swallowing, speech, language,
communication or cognitive functions. Speech pathologists assess patients for
the presence of these deficits. They also provide supportive and informational
counselling, and if needed, provide therapy to remediate and compensate for
swallowing or communication deficits.
Communication
– the process of being able to understand and to be understood – is
something most of us take for granted. Communication disabilities are the result
of problems with speech, using and understanding language, voice, fluency,
hearing, or reading and writing.
One
in seven Australians has some form of communication disability. This means that
one in seven people has a problem understanding other people or being understood
by people. (SPA)
Locations
St.
Vincent’s Health speech pathologists work in a variety of settings, including:
-
Acute
care
-
Rehabilitation
-
Aged
care
-
Palliative
care
-
Rehabilitation
in the home
-
Outpatients
(laryngectomy, voice and neurological)
-
Community
Rehabilitation Centres
-
Domiciliary
Scope
of Services
We
may be involved in:
Treating
a person who has swallowing problems following surgery
Chewing
and swallowing problems (also known as dysphagia) can result from strokes, head
and neck surgery, brain tumours, and many disorders of the nervous system.
Speech Pathologist will assess a person’s suitability to start taking food
and/or drink by mouth. The assessment will sometimes involve conducting a
videofluoroscopy, which is essentially a moving X-ray of the swallowing
mechanism. Speech Pathologist will also recommend appropriate textures/types of
food, and provide strategies and exercises to improve swallowing functions.
Retraining
a teacher who constantly loses their voice to use it more effectively
A
voice disorder is an inability to produce clear, quality voice. This may involve
inadequate breath support, a “nasal” vocal quality, or hoarseness. The
speech pathologist can assess the nature of the voice change, and provide
exercises and strategies to improve vocal control.
Helping
a person who has had a stroke to regain their communication skills
Strokes
can result in difficulties understanding speech, written information, expressing
ideas and writing. The speech pathologist assesses a person’s communication
strengths and weaknesses. They then provide exercises, strategies, and sometimes
other means to promote communication success and to minimise frustration.
Liaising
with the carers of an elderly person who has dementia
Cognitive
difficulties can result from strokes, brain tumours, head injuries or disorders
of the nervous system (e.g. Parkinson’s Disease, or Multiple Sclerosis). A
speech pathologist can assess the nature of the impairment through a detailed
language assessment (speech and written). They can then develop specific
strategies to compensate for the cognitive impairment and provide the patient
and their family with strategies to compensate for these deficits.
Assisting
a person to use a hearing aid effectively
There
are three types of hearing loss, and each can vary in severity. Speech
pathologists do not prescribe hearing aids, but they are trained in many issues
related to their use. A speech pathologist can provide advice on how to maximise
the use of hearing aids, and recommend strategies to compensate for a hearing
loss.
Advocacy
Patients
with communication problems may be misunderstood, or unable to express their
needs and wishes. Speech Pathologists can assist in representing patients who
are affected by communication impairments. Advocacy may include assisting
patients in communicating their thoughts at team/family meetings.
In
keeping with St. Vincent's Health’s commitment to provide the highest standard
of clinical training, the Speech Pathology department offers expert
undergraduate supervision for students from Latrobe University Melbourne and
Charles Sturt University Albury.
Contact
Details
St.
Vincent’s Hospital campus, Fitzroy
including
Caritas Christi, Fitzroy
Tel
03 9288 3840
St.
George’s Hospital, Kew
Tel
03 9272 0444
Boroondara
Community Rehabilitation Centre
Tel
03 9882 8239
Cambridge
Community Rehabilitation Centre
Tel
03 9427 0743
Darebin
Community Rehabilitation Centre
Tel
03 9486 7413
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