Speech and Language Therapy

Collaboration and communication

Although centrally based at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, the Speech and Language Therapy team works with people of all ages at venues ranging from nurseries, special schools, hospitals and residential homes - in close collaboration with other healthcare and educational professionals. In addition, regular visits are made to Alderney to provide speech and language therapy services, as well as in-service training.

The busy paediatric caseload consists of children with a wide range of communication disorders - including language delay, specific language impairment, phonological problems, dysfluency, hearing impairment, cleft palate, autistic spectrum disorders and special needs.

The adult caseload primarily involves neurological disorders, such as dysphagia and communication in acute, rehabilitation or community settings, as well as voice, laryngectomy and dysfluency.

The department is well resourced in terms of standardised assessments and clinical equipment. Computers are widely used in clinical procedures and we are fortunate to have a treatment room, with a large one-way viewing facility, that is ideal for group therapy, observation and training purposes.

The team currently includes eight qualified speech and language therapists, working in line with current best practice, supported by speech and language therapy assistants and clerical staff.

A high priority is placed on continuous professional development and the department is well funded for postgraduate training. In addition, regular meetings are held with speech and language therapy colleagues in the Jersey Speech and Language Therapy Department.