Adult Speech and Language Therapy

About the service

Adult Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Service provides assessment, intervention and management of acquired communication and / or swallowing difficulties for people aged 16 years and over, who are registered with a GP in either Southampton or Portsmouth.

What we do

The SLT service provides assessment, intervention and management of acquired communication and / or swallowing difficulties for people aged 16 years and over.

A range of services are available including community in-patient, outpatient and domiciliary services to people with stroke, progressive neurological conditions, adults with a learning disability, frail elderly, people with dementia, head injury, voice disorders and dysfluency (stammer). 

Assessment for an alternative or augmentative communication system (AAC) are available, and appointments may be held face to face or remotely using telemedicine. SLTs provide assessment and where indicated, goal based one-to-one or group therapy, as well as support and information for patients, carers and multidisciplinary colleagues.

Accessing the service

The service operates an open referral system. This means that anyone can refer into the team, including the patients themselves, however a referral from a health or social care professional is preferred.

To access the service you must be aged 16 years or over, with an acquired communication or swallowing difficulty or a person with a learning disability aged 16 years or over transitioning from child to adult services. Referrals for a voice disorder need to have had an up to date ENT assessment (within the last 6 months).

All referrals should be made using the Single Point of Access. When making a referral into the service please ensure you have as much information as possible to help us. this includes information such as, patient and referrar contact details, reason for referral and relevant medical history alongside details of the persons communication or swallowing difficulties. 

Portsmouth: Patients should be referred via SPA, by calling 0300 123 3932 or by emailing snhs.slt.community@nhs.net

Southampton: Patients should be referred by calling 0300 123 3948

SLT will triage all referrals and a decision is then made to accept the referral or reject as inappropriate or insufficient information. Accurate and detailed referral information is required in order to conduct triage and prioritisation. The more detailed the referral is, the more efficient and effective the SLT triage can be. A priority rating of 1-3 will be given and a due date allocated, SLTs aim to see urgent referrals within 3 weeks and routine referrals within 13 weeks. Please note that these time scales may not always be achievable. Referral acknowledgement letters are sent to the patients and the referrer / GP, this includes details of how to contact SLT should any new communication or swallow concerns arise. A waiting lists system is operated.

Quality is assured through the use of care pathways based on research evidence, national guidance, outcome measures, audits and local research. The service is also able to provide a range of patient information in accessible formats.

A swallow resource pack for health and socials care professionals supporting people in nursing and care home settings has been developed by the SLT team. This resource should be viewed prior to making a referral to SLT.