Speech Pathology

The Speech Pathology Department provides assessment, consultation and treatment for children who are having trouble communicating, speaking and using their voice, feeding, swallowing, or drinking. Our team of speech pathologists work with children and their families to improve each child’s individual skills. Your child might benefit from seeing a speech pathologist if they have a complex medical condition and communication or swallowing difficulties. Specialty services are provided in the areas of:

• cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies
• cochlear implant and hearing impairment
• complex communication disorders
• feeding and swallowing disorders
• oncology
• tracheostomy
• videofluoroscopy and nasendoscopy
• voice disorders.

Who can access this service?

New patients

Referrals are accepted up to a child’s 16th birthday.

Existing patients with complex care needs

Referrals are accepted up to a child’s 18th birthday (patients are usually transitioned to adult services by this time).

Please note: To be eligible for care at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, children must have a complex (tertiary) medical condition contributing to their communication or feeding problem. Referrals are only accepted from Children’s Health Queensland/Queensland Children’s Hospital clinicians.

Catchment area

This service is available to inpatients and all Queensland children who meet eligibility criteria for the speciality caseloads.

Do I need a referral?

You will need a formal referral to access this service.

How do I get a referral?

A referral from a Children’s Health Queensland or Queensland Children’s Hospital clinician is required.

GP referrals and self-referrals are NOT accepted.

Information for health professionals

Referral instructions

Inpatient referrals are submitted via the Patient Flow Manager (PFM) system. Outpatient referrals should be directed to the central referral room. Please use the allied health referral form (CHQ/QCH staff access only).

Supporting information

Dysphagia and free water protocol in paediatrics: Summary of the evidence
Speech Pathology and Oral Health guideline: Oral hygiene in children with feeding difficulties
Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS): Referral information

Useful links

Speech Pathology Australia

Our team

Director

Katie Walker-Smith