Adult Speech & Language Therapy
Who are we?
The Adult Speech and Language Therapy Community Outpatient Service are employed by HCRG Care Group, and provide assessment, advice, information and support for adults and their families or carers, who have difficulties with communication (speech, language or voice) and/or swallowing.
The team is made up of Speech and Language Therapists and Speech and Language Therapy assistants.
Our Speech and Language Therapists are experts in assessing and treating adults with a wide range of communication and swallowing difficulties.
People with the following conditions may have communication and/or swallowing difficulties and often benefit from being assessed by a Speech and Language Therapist:
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Dementia
- Voice disorders
- Head and neck cancer
- Communication and swallowing difficulties associated with ageing
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Head injury, plus others
Who will I see?
Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) and SLT Assistants within the Community Adult SLT service work across a number of teams and services. Who you will see will depend upon your needs. Sometimes is it difficult to tell where you need to go to, however the Care Coordination Centre can help with your queries and direct them towards the right team.
These are the teams in Bath and North East Somerset who have Speech and Language Therapists:
- Community Outpatient Services (0300 247 0200)
- Inpatient rehabilitation services – Sulis ward at St Martin’s Hospital (Main: 01225 831521), and Paulton Hospital (contact the SLT on 0300 247 0200)
- Parkinson’s and Related Conditions, Clara Cross Centre, St Martin’s Hospital (Main: 01225 831518) – Parkinson’s and Related Conditions Service
- Community Neuro and Stroke Service (Main: 01225 831544) – Neuro and Stroke Service
- Learning Disabilities / Complex Health Needs Service (Main: 01225 831566) – Learning Disabilities
The Acute hospital inpatient service, Voice service and Head and Neck Cancer service are provided via the Royal United Hospital Foundation Trust, Bath (SLT Royal United Hospitals Bath
Where are we based?
Many of the teams are based at St Martin’s Hospital. The Community Outpatient team works across the community and so you will be seen in the most appropriate location for you. Often this means the therapist will come to see you in your own home.
You may be asked to come to an appointment at St Martin’s Hospital. Please see the information below regarding getting there:
St Martin’s Hospital, Clara Cross Lane, Bath, BA2 5RP
There is free parking on the hospital site, if you enter via the Midford Road entrance. Generally there are plenty of spaces to park, so you do not need to arrive early for your appointment.
Google maps reference: Google Maps
What3words reference: what3words
Meet the team
Vicky
Vicky is a registered Speech and Language Therapist with over 22 years of experience. She is also Head of the Service and Professional Lead for Speech Therapy in Banes. Vicky specialises in working with people who have swallowing disorders, carrying out swallowing x-rays (videofluoroscopy) and with those who have difficulties with communicating as a result of a brain injury, such as stroke or primary progressive aphasia.
Nina
Nina is a registered Speech and Language Therapist with over 18 years of experience working in a number of different settings. Nina specialises in working with people who have swallowing and communication difficulties related to a variety of conditions including dementia, stroke and functional disorders.
Helen
Helen is a registered Speech and Language Therapist. Helen has worked as a Speech and Language Therapist for over 20 years in a variety of settings. Helen specialises in working with people with communication and swallowing difficulties resulting from Parkinson’s and related disorders, and from acquired brain injury including stroke.
Miriam
Miriam is a registered Speech and Language Therapist. Miriam qualified as a speech and language therapist in 2020 from Cardiff Metropolitan University. She joined the team in 2021 and has been working both in St Martins hospital as well as in people’s own homes and nursing homes supporting their communication and swallowing difficulties. Since qualifying, she has been able to work through her dysphagia competencies as a part of her role in the team. In her spare time, Miriam enjoys running, playing the harp and visiting her homeland, Wales
Lisa
Lisa is a Speech and Language Therapist assistant
How do I get referred?
Communication, speech or language referrals
You can refer yourself to Speech and Language Therapy for any difficulty with your communication, speech or language. This can be done by telephone or letter. Please ring the Care Coordination Centre on 0300 247 0200 to make or discuss a referral.
Swallowing difficulties
For a difficulty with your swallowing, a referral would need to come from:
- Your GP, medical consultant or Nurse
- A health or social care professional, such as your Physiotherapist or Social Worker
Voice difficulties
If you have concerns regarding your voice, please speak to your GP regarding a referral to the Ear Nose and Throat service at the RUH. You cannot be seen by Speech and Language Therapist without this consultation.
Where do I go for further information?
If you would like further information about communication or swallowing difficulties, or if you are a professional looking for more advice, please follow our link to ‘Adult Speech and Language Therapy Information’ (Adult Speech Therapy Support and Information)
You can also contact us on the email address below:
e: vcl.adultslt@nhs.net
