Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)

Speech and language therapists (SLTs) provide life-improving treatment, support and care for people who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing.

Our service provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment and advice to help people reach and maintain their best level of communication and/or swallowing, increase independence, and live to their full potential.

Using specialist skills, our team works directly with people and their families and carers to provide them with tailored support. We also work closely with other health care professionals including doctors, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists to develop individual treatment programmes.

Our locations

Northern services

The Community Speech and Language Therapy Team has two bases-

  • Taw Hub, Barnstaple Health Centre
  • Torridge Hub, Bideford Hospital

Eastern services

There are Specialist SLTs covering all of the community hospitals in Eastern Devon (Exeter, East and Mid Devon). We are core members of the local Community Rehabilitation Teams and provide in-patient, out-patient and domiciliary services for people with acquired disorders of communication and/or swallowing. The Community Paediatrics service is provided by Children & Family Health Devon.

What services do we offer?

We offer a service to help people with a variety of conditions:

  • Neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, head injury etc.
  • General medical disorders such as infection, heart or lung problems
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Voice disorders
  • Stammering and dysfluency difficulties
  • Learning disabilities

How can I be referred?

Referrals can be made by yourself, your doctor or another health professional.

Northern services

Please phone the relevant team for further information.

Eastern services

Email: rduh.sltreferrals@nhs.net
Phone: 01392 402489

Last updated: March 17, 2023.