Speech and Language Therapy
The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) department specialises in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of adult communication and swallowing difficulties.
There are 5 SLTs in Naas General Hospital who work closely with medical, nursing, and other allied health staff, to provide treatment for patients with;
Difficulties which may occur are:
The SLTs work with patients and their families to reduce the impact of communication and/or swallowing difficulties on everyday life. The team also work closely with SLT colleagues in the community, to ensure continuity of care when a patient is discharged from hospital.
Videofluoroscopy
This is an X-ray that shows what happens when you eat and drink. It helps the SLT to diagnose and treat swallowing problems. The SLTs run a weekly Videofluoroscopy clinic in the X-ray (Radiology) Department.
Communication groups
The SLTs run weekly communication groups for patients with a range of communication difficulties, to promote conversation and social interaction during their hospital stay.
Education
The SLTs provide clinical placements for SLT students from Trinity College Dublin.
The SLTs also provide education and training to patients and families, and more specialised training sessions relating to communication and swallowing for healthcare professionals within the hospital (e.g. screening for dysphagia post stroke).
Quality
All SLTs working in Naas General Hospital are registered with CORU, Ireland’s multi-profession health regulator.
The SLTs aim to ensure all assessments and treatments are evidence based and in line with current best practice. All SLTs are involved in a programme of continuing professional development, and regularly evaluate and audit practices to ensure a high standard of service.
Access to the Service
In-patients can avail of the service through referral from medical, nursing, or allied health staff within the hospital.
There is no outpatient service at this time. If you are concerned about your speech, language, voice, or swallowing, please contact your GP who will refer you to your community (known as Primary Care) SLT service.
Hours
Core working hours are between 8:30am and 4:30pm
Contact
Speech & Language Therapy Department
Naas General Hospital
Naas
Co. Kildare
W91 AE76
Department telephone: +353 45 843083
Useful Links:
Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists
Independent Speech and Language Therapists of Ireland
Community SLT in Kildare / West Wicklow
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/lho/kildare-west-wicklow/therapy
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland
The Irish Heart Foundation
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland
Headway Ireland
The Parkinson’s Association of Ireland
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
The Irish Cancer Society
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