There is currently a part-time service available to inpatients only.

The Speech and Language Therapist will often see new patients on the Intensive Treatment Unit, especially if they have a tracheostomy. She will give advice about communication options as well as assessing swallowing safety. Mouth care is an important aspect and early input may be focused on establishing a good oral hygiene programme before resuming any eating or drinking. As part of the Tracheostomy team, decisions will be made about how to optimise breathing function and try to reduce the need for a tracheostomy, if possible.

Some people with a spinal cord injury may experience ongoing swallowing problems and will be advised on suitable strategies or food modifications to make sure their eating is safe and reduce the risk of food "going down the wrong way".

Voice problems are sometimes reported and this is often due to changes in breathing ability. The Speech and Language Therapist will assess aspects of the voice and plan a programme of therapy to maximise voice production.

Sometimes communication aids are needed to support speech. The therapist will help to assess these needs and may be able to offer a short loan of an aid or advise on purchasing an appropriate system.

Examples of communication aids include:

Pocket Go Talk with pillow switch	Alphabet E-Tran frame	Cuffed tracheostomy tube

For details contact the department on 020 8909 5466 or email jackie.mcrae@rnoh.nhs.uk