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
Paediatric Feeding Learning Framework
Useful links
Our team
Director
Katie Walker-Smith
This service is available at
Allied Health (6a)
Queensland Children’s Hospital
Level 6
501 Stanley Street
South Brisbane
QLD 4101
View map
Contact details
Allied Health Outpatients (6a)
t: 07 3068 2850 (for appointment enquiries)
e: QCH-Speech@health.qld.gov.au (for general speech pathology enquiries)
Speech Pathology Directorate
t: 07 3068 2375 (for all other speech pathology enquiries)
Operating hours
Monday to Friday, 8am-4.30pm.
Resources
Speech Pathology and Oncology
Paediatric Feeding Learning Framework
Dysphagia safety