Can transport be organised for people to attend?
We are unable to offer any community transport, however we can help direct our outpatients to community transport services.
Is there a cost to patients to attend the clinic?
Our service is free for patients with a valid Medicare Card.
In addition to the services described above, the Mona Vale Hospital Speech Pathology Department provides a number of speciality services:
Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS)
This diagnostic procedure is a moving x-ray of the swallowing mechanism. It helps to identify the cause of a client's swallowing difficulties informs their management plan. This may include giving advice about the most appropriate food and liquid consistencies, or lead to a swallowing treatment programme. Videofluoroscopies are performed externally at a local facility.
Lee Silverman Voice Therapy
The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program (LSVT®) is an intensive voice and speech program for people with Parkinson's disease, although it can be used for other client groups depending on their symptoms. The LSVT® programme incorporates high respiratory and phonatory effort to improve voice and speech function. Clients who participate in LSVT® are first required to attend an Ear, Nose and Throat examination to make sure there are no contraindications to participating in therapy.
All Speech Pathology staff at Mona Vale Hospital are certified in providing the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Program.
Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
This is an assessment tool we can use to evaluate swallowing function and guide the treatment of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) using a nasendoscope. This procedure is currently completed off-site at an acute hospital facility.
The Beachside Chatters Communication Group
This is a monthly communication group for people living with aphasia, with an emphasis on both communication skills and social participation.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Our team of Speech Pathologists provide comprehensive assessment and management to inpatients located on the two rehabilitation wards located at Mona Vale Hospital (Beachside Rehabilitation Ward / Assessment & Rehabilitation Ward). We offer a range of treatment options, depending upon the presenting problem. These include individual therapy, group therapy, computer-based therapy, carer support and advice. Our goals are individually tailored to each patient's needs and evolve over the course of their inpatient stay. The Speech Pathologist works closely with other members of the multi-disciplinary team. If an inpatient requires follow-up speech pathology after their discharge from hospital, they can be referred on to the outpatient speech pathology service.
Mona Vale Hospital Speech Pathology does not provide a service for the following:
Community Service
The Mona Vale Hospital Speech Pathology service does not provide a community service. Any patients who require a home visit for management of swallowing or communication problems will need to access a private Speech Pathologist.
Tracheostomy
Any individual requiring urgent care related to their long-term tracheostomy should present to their local hospital emergency department for management.
Laryngectomy
Any individual requiring urgent care related to their stoma / fistula should present to their local hospital emergency department for management.