Speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapists working in cancer care assess, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing difficulties, in partnership with you and your carer(s).

Working alongside the multidisciplinary team, the speech and language therapist aims to support you with any communication difficulties that you may be having. They will also offer information about the choices and risks that you may face with swallowing difficulties.

If speech, the use of language, or voice have been affected, the therapist aims to facilitate interactions, conversations and communication. They can offer communication strategies, communication aids, environmental modification, listener training and support for carers and communication partners.

Any member of the multidisciplinary team can refer you for an assessment of your swallow function. However, the medical team must sanction the referral and have documented this in the medical notes prior to the Speech and Language Therapy Department being contacted.

Any member of the multidisciplinary team can refer you for an assessment of your communication without prior documentation by the medical team.

Speech and Language Therapist: Clare Hardwick or Sarah Stewart

Contact details: 020 7377 7000 ext 2811 (The Royal London Hospital) / 020 7377 7177, or bleep 1340