About the service

Speech language therapists work with patients (aged 16 or greater) who have difficult speaking and swallowing.

 

They work with patients' families and other healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose and treat:

  • speech disorders (dysarthria and dyspraxia): articulation, fluency, motor

  • voice disorders (dysphonia): quality, volume, pitch, resonance

  • language disorders (aphasia): comprehension and oral and written expression 

  • swallowing disorders (dysphagia): saliva management, chewing and swallowing

  • cognitive aspects of communication: attention, memory, problem solving

 

They provide inpatient and outpatient appointments as well as community visits.

 

Referral process

Referrals for speech and language therapy are made by:

  • GPs

  • hospital specialists

  • private healthcare specialists

  • rest home staff

 

Locations and contact details

Nelson
Nelson Hospital
Level 6
Phone: (03) 546 1797
Richmond
281 Queen Street, Richmond
Phone: (03) 543 7963
Blenheim
Wairau Hospital
Hospital Road, Blenheim
Phone: (03) 520 6350