The service

The Community Adult Speech and Language Therapy Service accepts referrals for service users who have acquired degenerative/progressive neurological conditions that effects their speech, swallow or both. These conditions include, but are not limited to, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and Huntington’s disease. We also see people who stammer. We can offer appointments at your home or at our clinic.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is difficulty with swallowing. Symptoms include but not limited to prolonged and persistent coughing whilst eating or drinking, recurrent chest infections, choking episodes, weight loss and drooling.

Following acceptance of a referral, we will complete an initial assessment in which we will observe the person eating and drinking.

Recommendations and a management plan will then be implemented.

Waiting times will depend on the severity of symptoms reported.

We also advocate the importance of good mouth care.

Dysarthria/ Dysphasia

Dysarthria and dysphasia result in changes to how you communicate. Symptoms can be changes to speech such as lower volume, slurring and word finding difficulties. An assessment will be completed by the therapist and a therapy plan agreed. Types of therapy will vary dependent on the person’s diagnosis and how the communication impairment impacts their daily life. We also consider the need for high tech communication aids or introduce paper based resources to support communication. We can work alongside external companies to introduce electronic communication devices and offer a voice banking service.

Criteria

We see adults from the age of 18 who are registered with a GP in the Preston, Chorley and South Ribble area. Service users who have a consultant at Royal Preston Hospital (RPH) and are able to attend outpatient appointments will be seen by the SALT team at RPH, as will people with voice disorders, a diagnosis of motor neurone disease or digestive problems. There is also a separate specialist team for people with learning disabilities.

Contact

Ribbleton Clinic, Langden Drive, Ribbleton, Preston, PR2 6HT.

Tel: 01772 777 720 Email: adultcommunitySALT@lscft.nhs.uk

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email PALS@lscft.nhs.uk

Need mental health support?

Need urgent help? For 24/7 mental health support call 111 and select the mental health option If you have a hearing problem or need advice in another language, visit NHS 111 website.

Text support can be reached by messaging Shout, which is a free, confidential and 24/7 texting service. Simply text ‘Shout’ to 85258. Further support is available through Kooth offering self-help resources, online messaging and support for young people aged 11 to 25. 

Additionally, the Hub of Hope provides a directory of mental health support and services across the UK.

This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.