At ELHT, we have Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) who specialise in the assessment and intervention of patients who are undergoing or have completed treatment for Head and Neck Cancer. A Speech and Language Therapist is a core member of the MultiDisciplinary Team and works closely alongside Head and Neck Surgeons, Oncologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists and Allied Health Professionals including Dietitians.
The Speech and Language Therapists at ELHT see both inpatients and outpatients and input into a range of presentations such as swallowing changes or difficulties (dysphagia), speech (dysarthria), voice (dysphonia), laryngectomy rehabilitation, tracheostomy, facial palsy and palliative care.
A Speech and Language Therapist's role in dysphagia is to assess, diagnose and manage swallowing difficulties. We perform bedside assessments and instrumental assessments.
Instrumental assessments:
- Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
- Videofluroscopy (VF)
Pre and post treatment we may work on communication:
- Speech (dysarthria) and changes to speech
- Voice (dysphonia)
- Videostroboscopy
- Optimising communication methods
- Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC)
We lead Laryngectomy Valve Clinics which may include:
- Changing Voice Prosthesis
- Communication work
- Manometry
- Problem solving and expert advice
- Quality of Life
- PATHOS trial
- TORPEDO
- PET/NECK
There are 3 dedicated Head and Neck Speech and Language Therapists at ELHT. We are embedded into the Head and Neck Multidisciplinary Team.
The Speech and Language Team are based:
Head and Neck Speech and Language Therapy
Audiology Corridor
Level 2
Royal Blackburn Hospital
Haslingden Road
BLACKBURN
BB2 3HH
Telephone Number: 01254 732866
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