Speech and Language Therapy (Macmillan)
Speech and Language Therapy
Patient Information
Macmillan Allied Health Professionals Team
- Author ID: AMC / KA
- Leaflet Ref: CM 021
- Version: 2
- Leaflet title: Speech and Language Therapy
- Date Produced: May 2022
- Expiry Date: May 2024
Who are we?
Speech and Language Therapists (SLT’s) are members of a group of health workers called Allied Health Professionals.
The Macmillan Allied Health Professionals Team is based at Wigan and Leigh Hospice and includes a Macmillan SLT.
What does a SLT do?
SLT’s provide life-improving treatment, support and care for people who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking, and swallowing.
Using specialist skills, SLT’s offer assessment and advice if you are having difficulty when communicating
For example:
- Understanding or following conversation
- Expressing yourself or speaking clearly
- Finding the right words in conversation.
We also help if you are having problems when eating, drinking, and swallowing.
For example:
- Struggling to start a swallow
- Coughing, choking, or becoming breathless whilst eating and drinking
- Avoiding certain textures or consistencies of food/drink.
What will happen during my first appointment?
With your agreement, the SLT will ask you questions about the impact of your illness on everyday life.
You will be given time to explain your priorities and main concerns.
If you are having difficulty with communication the SLT will take time to discover exactly how this is affecting you.
If you are having difficulty with eating, drinking and / or swallowing the SLT will ask you to explain the problems. The SLT may also watch you eat and drink.
It is extremely helpful to your care if the SLT can share the assessment and updates of your progress with the other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
Please let the SLT know if you do not wish this to happen.
Where will the appointments take place?
It is helpful if you can attend a speech and language therapy outpatient clinic at Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
If you are unable to travel the SLT may be able to see you in your own home or at another mutually convenient location.
What happens next?
The SLT will discuss the outcome of assessment and your treatment options with you.
Together you will agree an individualised plan aimed at meeting your needs.
This plan may include:
- Furthermore, detailed assessment
- A programme of word exercises
- A programme of exercises for your speech and / or swallowing muscles
- A gradual introduction of different textures and / or consistencies of food and drink
- Advice and support
- Referral to other healthcare professionals.
How often will I be seen?
The SLT will discuss your appointments with you and agree a plan to meet your needs.
How can I contact the SLT?
The Macmillan SLT is based at Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
Macmillan Allied Health Professionals Team
Wigan and Leigh Hospice
Kildare Street
Hindley
Wigan
WN2 3HZ
Telephone: 01942 525566
Monday to Friday 8am until 4pm.
Useful contacts
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan support line: 0808 808 0000
Monday to Friday 9.00am to 8.00pm
Wigan and Leigh Hospice
Kildare Street
Hindley
Wigan
WN2 3HZ
Telephone: 01942 525566
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