The Adult Speech & Language Therapy (SALT) Service assesses and manages people with swallowing, communication, voice and fluency difficulties caused by a range of different conditions. We can also support mental capacity assessments for patients with communication difficulties. Anyone over the age of 16 can access the service.

Core hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 – 17:00. Referrals are received from GP’s, Health and Social Care Professionals.  Self-referrals are also accepted. 

Acute in-patient referrals should go through the internal meditech system. We aim to see patients in hospital within 48 hours.

International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI)

The descriptors of modified diet and fluids recommended by Speech & Language Therapists have been standardised internationally. South Tyneside has now fully adopted the new terminology and many hospital and community staff have been trained. We still have a comprehensive training programme in place, please contact SALT department on 0191 4041060 for further information.

Guidelines and documents

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