Independent Adult Clinic
COVID-19 Update
The clinic remains open and is accepting referrals, although due to effects of the coronavirus pandemic there is a waiting period. As a result of the lockdown, sessions are likely to be online rather than in person.
A clinic-based service offering specialist assessment and treatment for adult clients (18+) with acquired neurological speech, language and communication disorders (stroke, head injury, some progressive neurological disease) and adults with acquired voice disorders.
The Clinic
The clinic is a purpose-built teaching clinic and is an integral part of the degree programmes for speech and language therapy students. Psychology students may also observe clinic sessions. Clinics are currently run at set times within the academic year (October-December and January to March); speech and language therapy students take supervised responsibility for clients. Please note, that due to teaching timetables, appointment time slots are fixed. The sessions are usually recorded and clients are asked to give their consent for the recordings to be used in the teaching of students. Consent for this can be withdrawn at any time.
Access Criteria
- Speech, language or communication difficulties following neurological damage*
- Acquired voice disorders
- Able to get to University independently
- Willing to work with SLT students
* E.g. stroke, head injury, Parkinson’s disease.
Please note we are unable to accept patients with MND, HD or MS and we are unable to provide a service for patients with dysphagia.
Referral Process
We accept referrals from local SLTs, voluntary groups and self-referrals. Please send this University pro forma (Independent Adult Clinic Referral Form) together with any available reports. Please note we do not have access to NHS records so we need a detailed history of previous SLT intervention, medical history and current presenting condition.
What We Offer
- A detailed specialist assessment of speech and language to form a profile of difficulties and strengths
- Goal setting where appropriate
- If appropriate and acceptable to the client, a block of therapy
- A detailed report
Assessment may be spread over two-three sessions to allow a comprehensive profile of the client.
Goal setting will be a joint process between the therapist/students and client.
Where appropriate, the following therapy options may be offered:
- 1:1 therapy sessions, usually once a week with an expectation of work being done independently outside of the clinic
- Group sessions – usually weekly with clients with similar needs/goals, with an expectation of work being done independently outside of the clinic
- Intensive blocks (e.g. LSVT for clients with PD)
- Education sessions (carer support)
- Remote computer-based intervention (e.g. Skype, LSVT).
Liaison with other agencies
Where appropriate we liaise with other health care professionals involved in the client’s care (e.g. specialist nurses, physiotherapy, psychology etc.) and may recommend onward referral. On discharge from our service we supply details of voluntary and self-help agencies. We require written consent to share information.