The Speech and Language Therapy (‘SALT’) team offer swallowing (dysphagia) assessments to adults with a wide range of neurological conditions and advise on the most appropriate consistencies and textures to ensure patients remain safe when eating and drinking. Early identification and management of dysphagia by Speech and Language Therapists improves quality of life and reduces the possibility of further medical complications and death. Improved nutrition and hydration have an impact on physical and mental wellbeing.
The SALT team offer communication assessments to the same population and can provide therapy to help maintain current communication levels to promote independence and quality of life.
Assessments are carried out by a Speech and Language Therapist and therapy is usually carried out by a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant.
Patients are referred by their GP for swallowing although they can refer themselves for communication.
The SALT team do not see patients who have had strokes as these are seen by the dedicated Community Stroke Rehab Team. They are not commissioned to see people with dementia who have communication difficulties and we are not commissioned to see people who have a Mental Health Disorder.
Currently the SALT team are unable to see patients for swallow assessments in clinic due to the Covid-19 pandemic.