Speech and language therapy (SALT)

About us

Our speech and language therapists (SALT) help adults and children who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing.

Communication difficulties that we see may include:

• dysarthria (slurred speech)
• dysphasia (difficulties with understanding language or using the wrong words)
• dysphonia (hoarse, harsh or breathy voice quality)
• difficulties in areas such as memory, attention and people skills which can affect your communication with others.
• swallowing difficulties are referred to as ‘dysphagia’.  Difficulties may affect any stage of swallowing including chewing, clearing food safely from the throat, a risk of aspiration (food or drinks going into the lungs) to food passing into the stomach.

These difficulties may affect speech or how a person is able to understand language.

How we help

Our therapists provide you with an individual assessment when you see us. We give treatment programmes, advice and/or therapy to support you to communicate more effectively or eat and drink safely. 

Conditions we treat

We work with a variety of patient groups, including those with:

• progressive neurological disease (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis)
• head injury
• brain tumour
• stroke
• dementia
• frail/elderly
• spinal injury and anterior cervical spinal surgery
• head and neck cancer
• voice difficulties
• autoimmune diseases (e.g. Guillian Barre Syndrome)
• learning disabilities

Within Neonatal and Paediatrics:

• neurological disorders
• prematurity
• respiratory or cardiac conditions
• genetic conditions
• surgical conditions such as NEC, TOF/OA, Gastroschisis etc.
• developmental delay
• laryngomalicia
• cleft lip and/or palate

What happens at your appointment

Where we are

Support groups

Our support group yakity yak helps people who have had a laryngectomy (removal of the voicebox). We offer support to partners, spouses and carers.

When and where we meet

• meetings are held four times a year
• group sessions on breathing for voice
• held often at the Royal Sussex County Hospital but socials also in local cafes/pubs

What we do

• information on new products
• information and advice on benefits
• information swap (ideas, products, apps, etc)
• emotional support
• the chance to share the above with people who have had a similar operation
• information from speakers on local groups, events and support networks

Helpful resources

• National Association of Laryngectomee Club
• Macmillan
• Sussex Cancer Centre

Leaflets