Speech and Language Therapy Department

The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) department provides services to both children and adults who may benefit from help in the area of communication.

SLT encompasses the whole domain of interpersonal human communication. The philosophy of the Department is to regard each individual as a communicator with potential to enhance their skills in this area. All behaviour is regarded to have the potential to communicate and all appropriate media are supported including body language, gestures, objects of reference, Lamh manual signs, pictographic systems and speech. Where appropriate, speech and other expressive media are augmented by the use of technological devices.

As mealtimes involve complex communication and oral-motor skills, the SLT service is able to provide support with aspects of this care. Additional support is provided by the Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Dysphagia) at Sligo General Hospital.

The process of SLT includes assessment, diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders. Working in partnership with families, teachers, healthcare professionals and carers is essential. The training and development of the skills of communication partners is regarded to be equally as important as those of the service user.

The SLT service is delivered in close collaboration with other departments including nursing, psychology, social work and St. Cecilia's School. This approach incorporates case reviews, planning for personal outcomes and person-centred care and education. The Department contributes to the wider aspects of the service including input into the Advocacy Group, Personal Outcome Measurement process, the Service Assessment And Placement Committee and the development of accessible communication initiatives.