Speech pathology
Speech pathologists can help to diagnose and treat people with difficulties in communicating, swallowing and feeding.
They are part of the multidisciplinary team in Northern Territory hospitals, providing inpatient care and outpatient clinics.
You can also learn more about accessing adult therapy services and children's therapy services in the community.
Speech pathology services at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) and Palmerston Regional Hospital (PRH) assess and manage swallowing and communication disorders in outpatient clinics.
Appointments are held in person at RDH or PRH. Telehealth is available if you cannot travel to hospital.
Paediatric clinics include support for:
- dysphagia and feeding
- cleft.
Adult clinics and supports include:
- Rehabilitation Outpatients (PRH only) – for neurological-based communication difficulties
- Voice Clinic – for voice disorders
- Dysphagia Outpatients – for swallowing difficulties
- can include endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS)
- SP/ENT – for voice and swallowing difficulties
- joint assessments by speech pathologists and ear, nose, throat (ENT) doctors
- can include stroboscopy
- speech pathology consults at the Head and Neck Clinic and Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre
- laryngectomy management.
How to arrange a referral
We prefer referrals from doctors, such as GPs and specialists, especially for patients seeking paediatric services.
- RDH and PRH doctors can refer via Acacia.
- All other doctors can email referrals to alliedhealthadmin.doh@nt.gov.au.
Contact
Royal Darwin Hospital
Phone: 08 8922 8338
Email: alliedhealthadmin.doh@nt.gov.au
Palmerston Regional Hospital
Phone: 08 7979 9502
Email: rehabopdprh.health@nt.gov.au
The Katherine Hospital speech pathology service is available to inpatients.
Outpatient services are provided to adult and paediatric clients on priority basis.
How to arrange a referral
Health professionals or individuals are able to send referrals.
Referrals are to be sent by email.
Contact
Giles Street
Katherine NT 0850
Phone: 08 8973 9120
Mobile: 0475 836 110
therapykh.doh@nt.gov.au
The Alice Springs speech pathology team provide inpatient and outpatient services for:
- adult rehabilitation
- adult dysphagia
- head and neck cancer
- 0 to 18 year old paediatric dysphagia including:
- assessment and management for feeding and swallowing concerns
- support during tube feed weaning and oral feed establishment
- multidisciplinary paediatric feeding clinic
- videofluoroscopic swallowing study - VFSS clinic
- referral from radiology by medical practitioners only.
How to arrange a referral
Health professionals or individuals are able to send referrals for:
- adult rehabilitation outpatients
- adult dysphagia
- head and neck cancer.
Paediatric dysphagia referrals can be emailed or made using the internal referral form.
Email radiology referrals to radiologyaliceshospital@nt.gov.au.
Contact
Allied Health Building
Alice Springs Hospital
Gap Road
Alice Springs NT 0870
Phone: 08 8951 7777
Allied Health reception: 08 8951 7789
Adult rehabilitation: alliedhealthash.ths@nt.gov.au.
Adult and paediatric dysphagia, head and neck cancer: intakeopdash.doh@nt.gov.au or speechpathology.doh@nt.gov.au.