Speech & Language Therapists identify and support children and young people with a range of communication and eating/drinking/swallowing difficulties. These might include:-

 

· Difficulty understanding spoken language

· Being late in starting to talk

· Difficulty putting sentences together

· Difficulty using language appropriately with others

· Unclear speech

· Stammering/stuttering

· Voice problems, e.g. having a hoarse voice

· Eating and drinking difficulties / swallowing problems.

 

These difficulties may be part of delayed development, learning difficulties, hearing impairment or physical difficulties, e.g. cleft palate. However, for many children there is no apparent reason why they are having communication difficulties.

The Speech and Language Therapist will fully assess the child’s speech, language and communication skills and a plan will be agreed to support the child’s communication needs.

Speech and Language Therapists also assess Eating, Drinking and Swallowing needs (aka the Dysphagia team). We work very closely with parents and carers, nursery and school staff and anyone closely involved with the child. Interpreters are routinely provided when needed.

The Speech and Language Therapy service has an open referral system. This means that anyone (including parents) is able to refer a child to the Service by contacting the Speech and Language Therapy department, if a child has an identified Speech, Language, and Communication need or Eating Drinking and Swallowing need.

 

Further advice or recommendations may be given before a referral is accepted.

The Children’s Speech and Language Team can be contacted at:

Brierley Hill Health & Social Care Centre,

Venture Way,

Brierley Hill,

DY5 1RU

Telephone: 01384 324 675

Email: bchft.paediatricslt@nhs.net

 

In the event of an emergency, please call 999