Inpatients - Speech Pathology
Inpatient Services
As an inpatient of the Royal Children's Hospital your child is entitled to receive Speech Pathology Services.
Any hospital clinical staff (or yourself) may suggest that your child would benefit from a speech pathology assessment.
The process of referral is as follows:
Referral
Hospital clinical staff, such as nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers, will refer your child to the Speech Pathology Department. In addition, if you believe your child should see a speech pathologist, you can request a referral be made by talking to the staff caring for your child.
All referrals accepted by the Speech Pathology Department will be followed up, generally by meeting with your child (and yourself as appropriate). Initial contact is attempted to be made within 24 hours of receiving the referral. There is, however, no service on weekends.
Assessment
A speech pathologist will then visit your child on the ward. They will assess your child's communication, speech, language, eating and drinking as appropriate, and will discuss any issues with you.
Treatment
If required, your child may receive appropriate treatment as an inpatient. The speech pathologist will work closely with you and other staff to provide child and family focused care.
Inpatient Discharge
When your child is discharged from the hospital, they may move on to one of the following:
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Transfer to another hospital: The speech pathologist will liaise with appropriate staff to ensure that your child continues to receive relevant services.
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Transfer to rehabilitation program within RCH: The speech pathologist will liaise with appropriate staff to ensure that your child continues to receive relevant services.
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Return home: Your child may then continue to receive services from the Speech Pathology Department as an outpatient, or may be referred for services within the community (for example local Community Health Services). Alternatively, your child may no longer require speech pathology services.
For more general information on what to expect as an inpatient of the Royal Children's Hospital, please refer to Your Visit.