• We are a team of speech and language therapists (SLTs) who are healthcare professionals.
• We help adults with communication and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).

When should I see the Speech and Swallowing team?

• You should see an SLT if you are concerned about your speech and swallowing.
• If you are concerned about your speech and swallowing then a healthcare professional can refer you to SLT (your GP, for example).

What should I expect in my initial appointment?

• Your first appointment will involve taking a case history and assessment of your communication and/or swallowing needs.
• This will allow us to identify how our service may be able to help you and recommend appropriate therapy options.
• The initial appointment may be carried out in our clinic or at your home. This will be discussed when booking.

What will happen after my initial appointment?

• You might be referred to other healthcare professionals (like physiotherapy, dietetics, or occupational therapy) to help manage your symptoms.
• We may suggest a therapy plan that could help you, such as individual therapy, group therapy, or virtual sessions, if needed.
• You might only need one assessment, where you’ll receive advice and information on what to watch for and when to ask for further help.

What will therapy be like?

• Therapy will focus on helping you with your communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
• The therapy programme will be tailored to your needs, based on your assessment results and how your symptoms are currently affecting your life.

Therapy may include, but is not limited to:

• Exercises to help improve your swallowing.
• Individual speech and swallowing therapy sessions, either at your home or in a clinic.
• Group therapy sessions for speech and swallowing.
• Helping your family, friends, and carers understand how they can support you and assist with your needs.

For more information, visit the swallowing problems (dysphagia)

Referrals

Referrals can be made to the Speech and Swallowing team via your GP or any heath or social care professional including senior care home staff, using:

• adult speech and swallowing referral form

For professionals, the referral form can be found on Leeds Care Pathways.