Speech Pathology

We assess and treat adults and children with speech, swallowing and communication problems.

Our services

Inpatient services include:

• dysphagia (feeding/swallowing) assessments
• education on safe feeding/swallowing strategies
• assessment of communication impairments (speech and language impairments)
• education on strategies to improve communication
• paediatric feeding/swallowing assessments.

Outpatient services include:

• paediatric feeding/swallowing assessment, education and management
• paediatric videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS)
• linking children and their parents with community services
• care team assessment and/or brief intervention for children (0-16 years) with cognitive, behavioural and/or developmental issues.

How to access this service

Inpatients

If you are staying in hospital, any staff member involved in your care can refer you to our Speech Pathology Services.

A hospital speech pathologist can help arrange a referral to a community speech pathologist for paediatric patients with pre-existing conditions (e.g. speech delay) which is not related to the reason the child is in hospital.

Outpatients – internal referral only

Please note access to our outpatient services are limited to internal referrals only.

External referrals to the VFSS clinic will be accepted from paediatricians or other similar specialists (e.g. gastroenterologist, respiratory physician). Referrals are to be made on a medical imaging request form and emailed to CabooltureFeedingClinic@health.qld.gov.au.

If there is a waiting list, you will receive a confirmation letter and be advised on what to do next. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your appointment.

What to bring