Our services
Speech and Language Therapy – adults
About the service
The Speech and Language therapy team offers specialist services to adults over 18 years of age in Bradford who have communication and swallowing problems, including:
- Aphasia – when a person’s ability to speak, write and understand spoken or written words, is affected, possibly due to a head injury or stroke.
- Dysarthria – disturbed or weak control of the muscles for speech, eg: lips, tongue, jaw, palate, vocal folds and muscles which control breathing, possibly as a result of a progressive neurological condition, such as Parkinson’s motor neurone, or Huntington’s disease.
- Dyspraxia (verbal) – affecting a person’s ability to speak in the absence of muscle weakness, paralysis, sensory loss, comprehension loss or ataxia, possibly due to a stroke.
- Dysphagia – swallowing disorders associated with acquired neurological disorders, stroke, head injury, palliative care and respiratory disorders.
- Stammering (stuttering) – when a person has difficulty producing speech in a smooth way (support with stammering page coming soon).
- Dysphonia voice difficulties– symptoms including a hoarse, strained or quivering voice, pain or a lump in the throat when speaking.
We work to empower you to manage your communication and or swallowing as independently as is possible. For additional information please see the ‘more useful information’ tab below.
How to access
You can self-refer into the service by contacting the Speech and Language Therapy admin hub on 01274 221166, or you can ask another professional involved in your care to refer you – such as your GP or hospital consultant.
How to find us
We see people at home, in care homes (where we can provide specialist support and training for staff), outpatient clinics and within community hospitals (intermediate care). We also use digital-first approaches for assessment and intervention and provide online appointments where appropriate via telephone or video consultation.
Contact
Our office is open Mon-Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm. Please contact the Speech and Language Therapy admin hub on 01274 221166.
Use the tabs below to explore this section further.
What to expect
Referral
When you are referred to us, we will determine the most suitable assessment type for your needs. We will assess your speech, language and communication or swallowing.
We will then create an individual support and therapy plan based on your individual assessment.
Waiting list
Once we have screened and accepted your referral you will be placed on a waiting list. You will receive a letter which details the type of assessment you have been accepted for and waiting time for that assessment.
Assessment
During your assessment will discuss the concerns you are experiencing and how these impact on your daily life.
If you have concerns relating to Dysphagia, we will observe you eating and drinking to make recommendations on your swallow safety and provide strategies to support you. If your appointment takes place in clinic then you may be asked to bring food and drink with you.
If you have concerns relating to communication, your assessment will be based on your needs. It will include a formal and informal assessment, as well as discussion with you and your caregivers to determine what you wish to achieve with our support.
After your appointment
Next steps will be agreed with you, which can include, further appointments, a block of therapy, written and verbal advice, and strategies.
Our service will help to empower you to manage your communication and or swallowing as independently as is possible.
Useful resources
Aphasia
- Difficulty finding words
- Help with word-finding – resource pack
- Fluent aphasia – what is it and how can you help?
Dysarthria
- Dysarthria – what is it and how to help
- Practical resource pack for someone with dysarthria
- Listening well to people with unclear speech
Dyspraxia
Dysphagia
Other useful information for communication difficulties