Brief Overview
The Speech and Language Therapy service based at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital provides assessment, intervention and support for infants and children with feeding or eating and drinking difficulties that result from a present or past medical condition.
A regional videofluoroscopy swallow study service is also offered.
Contact details
Telephone numbers:
01273 696955 extn. 2527 and / or extn. 2526
Email addresses:
jane.pettigrew@bsuh.nhs.uk
alex.lazell@bsuh.nhs.uk
Clinic times / opening hours
Monday to Friday
Information for patients
The Speech and Language Therapy Department specialises in working with babies with feeding difficulties and children with eating and drinking difficulties who have an underlying medical condition, which affects there ability to swallow safely. The medical term for this is dysphagia.
Speech and Language Therapists are based in a range of community settings to provide services to children with speech, language and communication difficulties.
When a baby or child has or is suspected of having dysphagia and is referred to the service, the Speech and Language Therapist will initially discuss your baby or child’s feeding abilities and difficulties with you. They will then observe your baby or child as they play and as they feed or eat and drink and they might suggest some changes to see how your baby or child responds. Recommendations will then be disussed with you to ensure your child's safety as well as strategies to develop their skills.
Useful web links
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Sussex Community NHS Trust
Great Ormond Street - Information Sheets
