Adult Speech and Language Therapy is a countywide service provided by Somerset Community Health. The service provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment to both inpatients and outpatients with acquired disorders of communication and swallowing.
Inpatients are generally seen on the wards whilst outpatients can be seen within the Speech and Language Therapy departments or where clinically necessary in their own homes. Patients are treated either individually or in small groups and there is emphasis on helping people function more effectively within their environment. Carers and relatives are involved in developing relevant treatment plans and are supported in their care, particularly on discharge.
Clinical Staff
- Speech and Language Therapists are registered with the Health Professions Council.
- Speech and Language Therapists employed by Somerset Community Health are also members of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
- The service also has Associate Practitioners, Speech and Language Therapy assistants and technicians who work under the supervision of the registered Speech and Language Therapists.
Acquired Communication Disorders
Speech and Language Therapists provide acute and rehabilitation services to people who have acquired communication problems
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Dysphasia/Aphasia - A language disorder which may affect a person’s ability to speak, write and understand spoken or written words.
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Dysarthria - An articulation disorder due to disturbed or weak control of the muscles for speech e.g. lips, tongue, jaw, palate, vocal folds and muscles which control breathing.
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Dyspraxia (verbal) - An articulation disorder which affects a person’s ability to plan and execute speech movements in the absence of muscle weakness, paralysis, sensory loss, comprehension deficit or ataxia.
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Dysphonia - Altered voice production as a result of organic, physical or functional changes.
These may be the result of stroke, progressive neurological disease, traumatic brain injury, voice production difficulties or head and neck surgery.
A Specialised Service
We have a wide range of expertise within the service. All staff have a broad range of knowledge across all areas. Our specialists have a high level of skill and knowledge in certain areas of need such as
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Stroke
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Neurodisability (progressive neurological disorders)
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Dysfluency (stammering & cluttering)
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Voice Disorders (including Transgender Voice Training)
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Oncology
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Dysphagia
Acquired Swallowing Disorders
Speech and Language Therapists assess, diagnose and manage swallowing disorders (dysphagia) associated with acquired neurological disorders, stroke, head and neck surgery, palliative care and respiratory complications (e.g. tracheostomy).
Our aim is to identify those individuals who have the potential for aspiration (the inhalation of food/fluid into the airway) and to ensure that eating and drinking is safe and sufficient. It is helpful for us to be involved in care at an early stage as we contribute to the diagnosis and managment of swallowing difficulties.
We will provide information about the results of assessments, agreed oral intake and any appropriate swallowing strategies. Further investigation via videofluoroscopy may be required.
Videofluoroscopy (x-ray video)
Videofluoroscopy Swallowing Clinics are held at both Yeovil and Musgrove Park Hospitals. The need for referral to these clinics will be agreed between the Speech and Language Therapists and the patient's doctor.
Structure of the service
The countywide service is organised into East and West teams although some staff work across the whole county.
The East Team
The East team has its main department located at Yeovil District Hospital and covers the South Somerset and Mendip area.
South Somerset
The East team in the South Somerset area provides an In & Out-Patient service to the following hospitals
Mendip
The East Team in the Mendip area provides an In & Out-Patient service to the following hospitals
All referrals for the East Team should be sent to the Speech and Langauge Therapy team at
Yeovil District Hospital
Higher Kingston
Yeovil
BA21 4AT
01935 384447 (direct line)
The West Team
The West team has its main department located at Musgrove Park Hospital and covers the area of Taunton Deane and Somerset Coast providing an In & Out-Patient service to the following hospitals
Bridgwater Community Hospital
Burnham-on-Sea War Memorial Hospital
Dene Barton Community Hospital
Minehead Community Hospital
Musgrove Park Hospital
Wellington Community Hospital
Williton Community Hospital
All referrals for the West Team should be sent to the Speech and Language Therapy department at
Musgrove Park Hospital
Taunton
TA1 5DA
01823 344449 (direct line)
