St Frances Clinic
Temple Street Children’s University Hospital
Temple Street
Dublin 1
Telephone: (01) 878 4872
Email: ei.hu1509232359c@tls1509232359
The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) team at Temple Street plays a vital part in the work of a number of other teams
The Cleft and Lip Palate Service
The Cleft Lip and Palate team at Temple Street Children’s University Hospital is part of the Dublin Cleft Centre, which is a national service for children born with cleft lip and palate. We also treat children with speech problems associated with palatal anomalies when there is no obvious cleft palate. Our Speech and Language Therapy department is recognised both nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence for the management of these speech disorders.
A Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) assesses feeding skills in babies born with cleft palate and offers advice to parents/caregivers about feeding an infant with a cleft palate. The SLT will also be involved in assessing, diagnosing and treating speech and communication disorders that children with a cleft palate may experience.
Our service for children with a cleft lip and palate can include;
- Early monitoring of how the child’s speech is developing
- Review of a child on a regular basis when they are attending a cleft clinic
- Assessments using a number of instruments;
Computer-based assessment of nasal acoustic energy (nasometry) and measurements of airflow through the nasal cavity (pressure flow assessments)
Assessment of a child’s palate using a test called videofluoroscopy. This is a continuous x-ray recording of the movement of their palate as they speak. Another test is called Nasendoscopy, which involves placing a small scope called a nasendoscope into the child’s nose to watch how their palate moves for speech.
We discuss the results of these tests with the child’s consultant and other members of the team, as well as parents, to help decide the best treatment and ongoing management for each child.
The SLT departments accept referrals from outside agencies/ professionals for second opinion assessments of speech and resonance disorders.
Referrals may be directed to the Speech and Language Therapy Manager, St Frances’ Clinic, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1.
SLT and the Craniofacial Team
The role of the SLT on the Craniofacial team is to maximise the child’s potential for communication and feeding development, in the context of their cranio-facial condition, through collaborative specialist inter-disciplinary assessment, planning and management within the specialist multidisciplinary craniofacial team (RCSLT, 2006). Initial referral to the SLT on the Craniofacial team in Temple Street Children’s University Hospital is through the Consultant Craniofacial Plastic Surgeon or a member of the Craniofacial Team.
SLT and the Neurology Team
The role of the SLT within the neurology team includes assessment and intervention with children with active neurological conditions. Children, both in patients and out patients with a range of communication and eating/drinking and swallowing disorders, are referred to us by the Neurology Consultants. A service is provided to both inpatients and outpatients with inpatients given priority.
The following are examples of Neurological conditions seen by the SLT Neurology team: epilepsy, acquired brain injury and progressive conditions. The SLT service includes baseline assessments before surgery, assessments for children who may have a delay in their development, management of feeding disorders and liaison with SLTs in local health services.
SLT and the Early Assessment Team
Children with complex developmental difficulties, that require a team assessment, are referred to the Early Assessment Team. Referrals should be by a Temple Street Children’s University Hospital consultant or a member of their team. Each appropriate referral is offered a team assessment followed by detailed, individual assessment by the SLT. The SLT provides a block of therapy prior to the child being discharged from the team.
Service to children with eating, drinking and swallowing disorders:
Our department offers specialist in- and out-patient assessment and management of children with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties to children, including videofluoroscopic swallow studies. The child must be referred by a Temple Street Consultant or a member of their team within Temple Street (with agreement of the Consultant). The child must be an in-patient of Temple Street, or attend Temple Street as an out-patient under the care of a Temple Street Consultant.
In cases where a videofluoroscopy is considered, it is recommended that a child is seen for clinical assessment by an SLT prior to a referral being made for this procedure. Referrals for videofluoroscopy should be addressed to the Consultant Paediatric Radiologist and sent directly to the Radiology department, who process referrals and manage the waiting list and appointments.