Speech and Language Therapy

• A full time Specialist Speech and Language Therapist works on Hindhead ward as part of the Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) managing patients with stroke or neurological disorders.
• The Macmillan Specialist Therapist (Head and neck cancer) is the designated key worker for laryngectomy patients within the Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire (SWSH) cancer network. A full surgical voice restoration (SVR) service is offered.
• A videofluoroscopy (modified barium swallow) clinic is run which offers specialist assessment of swallowing disorders (dysphagia) for inpatients and outpatients. (currently run on Tues AM and Weds PM)

Speech and Language Therapists (SaLTs) at the Royal Surrey County Hospital have expertise in assessing, diagnosing and managing disorders of communication and swallowing. These disorders may be a result of a range of medical conditions including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia or cancer.

SaLTs also treat patients with a variety of voice disorders such as nodules, vocal cord palsy or patients undergoing gender reassignment surgery. 

Services for children, people with Learning Difficulties or people who stammer (dysfluency) are provided by neighbouring Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

The team has specialists in stroke, voice and head and neck cancer. Inpatients needing ongoing therapy after leaving the Royal Surrey are referred to the relevant PCT for further input from the community SaLT service.

Head of Speech and Language Therapy – Gill Chapman

Stroke specialist – Sara Andrew and Sophie Wilson (Miriam Gilkerson is on maternity leave until 2013)

Macmillan specialist – Head and Neck cancer – Jan Humphries

Voice specialist – Katy Salt

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist – Becky Farmer

Rapid Response Dysphagia Speech and Language Therpaist - Kate Edwards

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Head and Neck Cancer) - Mariana Gaulton

Admin and Clerical assistant – Ismat Hassanali