Speech and language therapists help people who have difficulties with who have speech, language and communication difficulties. They also support people who have problems with eating, drinking, or swallowing.

Our Speech and Language Therapy service assesses and diagnoses problems with communication and swallowing. We provide support that is tailored to each person’s needs, helping them achieve the best possible outcomes.

We work closely with the individual, their family, and anyone involved in their care. This helps make sure everyone understands how best to support them. Support may include direct therapy, advice, training, and resources to help the person communicate and eat or drink as safely and independently as possible.

Types of communication difficulties we support

We can help people who have:

• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Difficulty using language (finding or forming words)
• Difficulty understanding language
• Voice problems
• Stammering
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Conditions that may affect communication or swallowing

Communication and swallowing difficulties can be caused by a range of conditions, including:

• Stroke or brain injury
• Conditions that affect the brain over time, such as Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone Disease, Huntington’s disease, or Multiple Sclerosis
• Head, neck, or throat cancers
• Mental health conditions
• Learning disabilities
• Physical or sensory disabilities

Speech and language therapists also work as part of specialist teams in the Northern Trust. These include the Adult Learning Disability Team, Community Stroke Team, Acquired Brain Injury Team, and Permanent Placement Team.

What the service aims to do

We aim to:

• Provide assessments and support based on the best available evidence for adults with communication or swallowing difficulties
• Promote safe eating, drinking and swallowing to reduce risk and improve outcomes
• Support people to improve their communication, independence, and participation in daily life
• Work closely with other professionals to provide joined-up, person-centred care
• Offer advice, information, and training to patients, carers, and staff
• Support safe discharge from services and refer on to other support where needed

How we can help

We offer a range of services to support adults with communication and swallowing difficulties. Whether you are looking for advice, support, or information on how to access our service, the sections below will guide you to the right place.

How to access this service

Referrals for both communication and swallowing can be completed online and sent by email. You’ll find contact details for your local SLT team below.

Important: This does not apply to Adult Learning Disability or Community Stroke Team referrals.

Communication referrals

If you’re worried about your own communication, or someone else’s, you can contact Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) in a few simple ways:

• Download and complete the referral form
• Call the Speech and Language Therapy Service
• Ask your GP or another healthcare professional to refer you

Please note: For voice problems, a recent Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) report is needed, and the referral must be sent in writing.

Swallowing (eating and drinking) referrals

If you’re worried about your own swallowing, or someone else’s, you can make a referral by:

• Call SLT directly to make a referral yourself
• Ask your GP or another healthcare professional to refer you (they will complete a dysphagia referral form

Referrals for adults with a learning disability

You can use this form to make a referral for swallowing or communication support. Please note – You must have consent before sending a referral.

Adult Learning Disability Feferral Form (for swallow and communication support)

How to contact us

We have six main community hospital sites for adult speech and language therapy services.

Antrim

• Telephone: 028 9442 4442
• Email: Antrim@northerntrust.hscni.net

Ballymena Health and Care Centre

• Telephone: 028 2563 5498
• Email: Ballymena@northerntrust.hscni.net

Fort Centre, Coleraine

• Telephone: 028 7034 7859
• Email: FortCentre@northerntrust.hscni.net

Mid Ulster

• Telephone: 028 7936 6970
• Email: MidUlster@northerntrust.hscni.net

Moyle

• Telephone: 028 2826 6133
• Email: Moyle@northerntrust.hscni.net

 Whiteabbey

• Telephone: 028 9055 2328
• Email: Whiteabbey@northerntrust.hscni.net

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