The Speech and Language Therapy team continue to provide services via a blended approach of remote working (video and telephone consultations) and face-to-face appointments (hospitals, clinics, schools, childcare settings and nursing homes) in line with clinical need, clinical evidence and infection control guidelines.
East (Flintshire & Wrexham)
Most of our usual services are now operating again. In some of our settings, we are able to see fewer patients than usual per day, however, and we continue to offer telephone or video appointments if they are suitable for the assessment needed. Our children's speech and language therapy Helpline continues to operate as it has throughout the pandemic. If you are waiting for therapy or advice after an assessment by our team, and have not heard from us in the time you expected to, please contact our main office for advice: 03000 848 166
West (Gwynedd & Anglesey)
The West Speech and Language Therapy service is continuing to provide both urgent and routine patient services via face to face appointments and remotely via telephone/ video conference in line with clinical need, evidence based practice and BCUHB infection control guidelines . We also hold a twice weekly HELPLINE Tuesday: 11.30am-1.30pm and Thursday : 2.00pm-4.00pm which can be accessed on 03000 850063.
Central (Conwy & Denbighshire)
Most of our usual services are now operating again. In some of our settings, we are able to see fewer patients than usual per day, however, and we continue to offer telephone or video appointments if they are suitable for the assessment needed. Our children's Speech and Language Therapy helpline operates twice weekly. The helpline number is 03000 850095. It runs on a Monday between 3-4pm and Thursday 12.30-1.30pm. We also have an email helpline: BCU.SALTHelplineCentral@wales.nhs.uk . In order to use the email helpline please provide the child’s first name, age of child, your relationship to the child and a contact telephone number. For all other queries for the Central Speech and Language Therapy team contact: 03000 855 975 (for children’s services) or 03000 855 972 (for adult services).
The Speech and language therapy service provides assessment, treatment, support and care for people of all ages who have difficulties with communication or eating, drinking and swallowing (dysphagia).
Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are allied health professionals, and are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. The team also includes SLT technical instructors (TIs) - specially trained support workers providing delegated SLT support across a range of settings. The SLT team work with patients, carers and families, and other professionals, such as teachers, nurses, dietitians, occupational therapists and doctors to provide a person-centred approach.
Speech and language therapy benefits people of all ages, for example:
Babies: SLTs support premature babies and infants with conditions such as cerebral palsy, cleft palate and Down’s Syndrome from very early in life who have difficulties with drinking, swallowing and early play and communication skills.
Children: SLTs support children with speech, language, communication and eating and drinking difficulties. These sometimes exist alongside other conditions such as learning difficulties and hearing problems.
Adults with learning difficulties: SLTs support adults who have developmental conditions such as learning disabilities, autism and Down’s Syndrome, who have communication or eating, drinking or swallowing difficulties
Adults: SLTs support adults with communication and/or swallowing difficulties resulting from conditions, such as stroke, head and neck cancer, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease and dementia.