Our Services

Swallowing disorders may arise following neurological impairment, head and neck surgery, cleft-lip and/or palate, respiratory disorders and other medical conditions swallowing impairment may also be present in the normal ageing individual. Speech therapists conduct thorough assessments of oro-motor and swallowing function to determine the cause of the difficulty, and provide recommendations to ensure safe feeding options for the patients. Up to date instrumentation is available to facilitate accurate assessment and diagnosis, and to aid swallowing rehabilitation. These include the 'Modified Barium Swallow' (Videofluoroscopy), 'Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing' (FEES), and 'Surface Electromyography (SEMG) Biofeedback' Services.

Speech and language therapy is required for many patients who have suffered from stroke and/or other neurological impairment. Therapy is provided to patients in an acute care setting, with a focus on communication rehabilitation. Follow-up rehabilitation services are also provided at our outpatient clinic with a view to achieve maximum communication independence and efficiency. Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) is developed or recommended where necessary. Our clinical staff are involved in developing, adapting and standardising assessments and therapeutic material for use with our local population.

Professional and occupational voice users frequently develop voice problems which affect their ability to communicate both at home and in their work environment. The Speech Therapy Department, together with the Department of Otolaryngology, conducts a specialist Voice Clinic which has been in operation since 1994. Each patient is individually screened and managed by the Voice Team, which comprises a Laryngologist (ENT surgeon) and a Speech Therapist. The clinic provides a complete service including consultation, clinical and computerised video stroboscopic examination of the larynx, acoustic analysis of the voice signal, as well as counselling on healthy voice usage. The Speech Therapists also offer therapy sessions where patients are taught voicing techniques to regain and maintain optimal vocal function.

Patients who have undergone head and neck surgery may often develop speech and/or swallowing difficulties. Specially trained therapists conduct pre-operative counselling sessions and work closely with the medical team in the management of patients undergoing surgical voice restoration. Clinical and instrumental assessment procedures are adopted in evaluation to provide each patient with a range of options in therapeutic management and assistive devices for maximal quality of life.

Stuttering/Stammering is a disorder in the rhythm of speech. It may interfere with everyday communication and have an impact on one's quality of life.

The Fluency Clinic provides an excellent service for both children and adult who stutter. This specialised service includes detailed assessment and diagnosis of the severity and type of stutters. Through individually tailored therapy sessions, clients are taught various techniques to gain control over their speech. Once these skills are mastered, clients undergo a transfer and maintenance programme to maintain their fluency.

Speech therapists can provide assessments, diagnoses and offer therapy for children with speech and language disorders. These include articulation difficulties, phonology disorder and language delay. Early intervention for communication disorders can be initiated if indicated.

Communication Disorders related to Cleft Lip/Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies Speech therapists assess and monitor speech and language development in children born with a cleft lip and/or palate. Communication and resonance disorders often occur in this population. Speech therapy, support and advice are offered from infancy to adulthood.

Speech Therapists participate in a monthly Combined Cleft Lip/Palate and Craniofacial Clinic involving plastic surgeons, dental specialists, nurses and parents in a multidisciplinary approach to patient management. Continuing management of each patient is discussed at the combined clinical sessions based on information drawn from the different professional sources. 

Speech and/or swallowing disorders may follow neurological impairment or head and neck surgery. Patients may be referred to this clinic which is run once a month by a Prosthodontist from the National Dental Centre and a Speech Therapist, to assess the suitability of the use of prosthetic devices in the oral cavity to help with swallowing and/or speech function.

The Speech Therapy Department also provides a Home Therapy Service for patients who have difficulty travelling to the hospital (e.g. patients who are bedridden). However, this service is only provided for patients referred by a doctor.