Welcome to the Speech and Language Therapy Department Web Page

Mission Statement

Speech and Language Therapists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.

We aim to work within a multi-disciplinary framework to enhance the client’s communication and swallowing skills in order to optimise quality of life for the client and carers, always mindful of the dignity and individuality of each client.

In addition we aim to develop as a centre of excellence, to carry out research and develop the potential of each Speech and Language Therapist.

Department Profile

Department Description

The Speech and Language Therapy Department opened in 2001 with 1 member of staff.  Currently we have a staff compliment of 3.8 and 0.5 Regional Placement Facilitator. We provide both an inpatient and outpatient service to all patients presenting in the hospital.  We see patients with communication and swallowing disorders as a result of the following underlying conditions, head and neck cancer, acquired neurological disorders, tracheostomy or progressive neurological disorders.  The majority of people referred to the service are adults, however we do see childrens with problems such as voice disorders and dysphagia.  We also provide a Speech and Language Therapy assessment service to children of staff working in the hospital.

Services Provided

• Inpatient and outpatient service in communication and swallowing disorders.
• As the South Infirmary – Victoria University Hospital is a regional ENT centre, the Speech and Language Therapy department has a number of specialist areas.
• We provide a service to the head and neck oncology population.
• We are involved in surgical voice restoration following laryngectomy.
• We run Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and Videofluoroscopy clinics to objectively evaluate swallowing function
• We provide a specialist service in the management of adult and children’s voice assessment and management. 
• We provide voice stroboscopy clinics in conjunction with the surgical team in the ENT department.
• We also have a medical rehabilitation unit for elderly patients where we provide intensive rehabilitation service.
• All of our work is carried out within a multidisciplinary framework

Location

The Speech and Language Therapy Department is located in the Victoria Wing of the hospital and is accessed through the South Infirmary – Victoria University Hospital main entrance.

The department consists of a waiting room/reception area with a clinic room off this and 2 clinical rooms / offices upstairs

Staff

• Teresa Hanevy, Speech and Language Therapy Manager, Telephone 021 4926337 – Bleep 803 MRU/ Wards service hanevy.teresa@sivuh.ie
• Derval Crossan, Senior Speech and Language Therapist, Responsibility for Voice Disorders.  Telephone 021 4926337 – Bleep 722. crossan.derval@sivuh.ie
• Eavan Fitzgerald, Senior Speech and Language Therapist, Responsibility for Head and Neck Oncology, Telephone 021 4926337.  Bleep 843.  fitzgerald.eavan@sivuh.ie
• Mairead Cronin, Senior Speech and Language Therapist, Regional Facilitator SIVUH / UCC.  Telephone 021 4926337.  Bleep 788  cronin.mairead@sivuh.ie
• Sheena Galvin, Base Grade Speech and Language Therapist, Wards / MRU

Opening Hours

The department is open between 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday – Friday.

Lunch is generally taken between 1.00pm and 2.00pm however, lunchtime appointments are facilitated if required.

Information

Information on the following topics is available in the Speech and Language Therapy Department:

• General departmental information and directions

1. Care of your voice
2. Care of your voice for the professional voice user
3. Care of your voice after surgery
4. Taking care of your voice during radiotherapy
5. Reflux Laryngitis Information Booklet
6. Videofluoroscopy Information Booklet
7. FEES Information Booklet
8. Follow up care for Laryngectomees
9. Problem solving tips for laryngectomy patients
10. Apraxia Information Booklet
11. Dysarthria Information Booklet
12. Aphasia Information Booklet
13. Medical Rehabilitation Information Booklet
14. Cognitive Communication Difficulties Information Booklet
15. Dysphagia Information Booklet
16. Swallow Assessment Information Booklet
17. Trismus