Speech and Language Therapists work with patients presenting with communication and/or swallowing disorders. We work as part of a multidisciplinary team, which includes patients, family members and carers, the medical team, nursing staff and allied health professionals.

The philosophy of the department reflects that of the hospital in endeavoring to provide the highest quality of care while at all times respecting the privacy and dignity of our patients.

The Speech and Language Therapy department is a new and developing service in the Mercy University Hospital. Currently there are two full time Speech and Language Therapists employed:

Tara Friel, Speech and Language Therapy Manager.
Finola Casey, Senior Speech and Language Therapist.

The Speech and Language Therapy Department is located on the ground floor in the Catherine McAuley block. It is located off the corridor to X-ray, beside the ICT Department.

Both inpatients and outpatients are seen.

We provide a sevice to inpatients and outpatients of the paediatric ward presenting with swallowing disorders.

An assessment service only is provided to children with communication disorders with onward referral to community Speech and Language Therapy services if appropriate.

In conjunction with the radiology department, we provide a videofluoroscopy service for the objective assessment of swallowing disorders.

We provide a service to St Marys Unit for the Care of the Elderly

We liase with GPs, Public health nurses and local SLT services once a decision has been made to transfer/discharge a patient from hospital..

A large part of our role is also concerned with the ongoing education of patients, families and hospital staff in communication and swallowing disorders.

Information leaflets are available in the department on the following topics:
Dysarthria
Dysphasia
Videofluoroscopy
Dysphagia