Speech-language therapy — South Canterbury
Speech-language therapists are trained healthcare providers who work with people who have communication or swallowing disorders. We also work with the person's whānau (family) to overcome the problems.
Contact us
To contact the Speech-Language Therapy Department at Timaru Hospital:
- phone: 03 687 2100 (extension 8707)
- phone (department secretary): 03 687 2120
Where to find us
The Speech-Language Therapy Department is at:
Level 1, Gardens Block
Timaru Hospital Campus
Queen Street
Timaru
Hospital map — Timaru Hospital
Services we provide
Speech-Language Therapy Department is part of the Allied Health Services at Timaru Hospital. We often see people with:
- eating, swallowing or communication problems due to stroke, cancer, head injury or progressive neurological disorders (such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis)
- paediatric (child) feeding disorders
- voice disorders.
The department provides assessments and management for inpatients, outpatients and patients in the community who are referred to us.
Our services include:
- assessment, management and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders
- appropriate communication with and referral to other healthcare professionals
- advocacy and support
- education and advice to patients, whānau, hospital staff and community services
- help in selecting alternative communication systems.
Referral information
Hospital inpatients are seen with a completed Allied Health Inpatient Referral form.
Outpatients and people in the community can be seen with a written referral from a general practitioner or other healthcare provider.