SLTs provide assessment, diagnosis, therapy and support for people, as appropriate, as well as advice and support to families, carers and hospital staff involved with patient care.

SLTs liaise closely with the inpatient multidisciplinary teams and are involved in supporting the person’s discharge from hospital. They liaise and work with the person’s GP and community services, to support any assessment and management when they are at home. This can be in the person’s own home or residential/nursing home in the community.

SLTs assess, diagnose and manage swallowing disorders (dysphagia) associated with acquired neurological illnesses, stroke, head and neck surgery, palliative care and respiratory complications (e.g. tracheostomy).

Early intervention is desirable.

SLTs contribute to the diagnosis and management of swallowing difficulties and work as part of the multi-disciplinary team. Our aim is to identify those individuals who have the potential for aspiration (i.e. inhalation of food, fluid, saliva, and reflux) and to ensure that eating and drinking is safe and sufficient.

We will provide written information about the nature of the swallowing disorder, results of assessments, agreed oral intake and any appropriate swallowing strategies in the person’s medical notes/outpatient care plan. Further investigation via Videofluoroscopy (i.e. a video X-ray of the swallow) or endoscopy may be required).

SLTs provide acute and rehabilitation services to people who have communication problems (such as aphasia, dysarthria, dysphonia) when they are inpatients, outpatients or in the community. These may be the result of stroke, progressive neurological illness, traumatic brain injury, fluency disorders (e.g. stammering), or palliative care needs.

People who are referred to SLT may have difficulty expressing themselves clearly. Some (e.g. people who have had a stroke or those with a progressive neurological illness, such as dementia) may also have difficulty understanding what is said to them. They may not be able to read and write as well as they used to. They may not be able to tell their family how they feel or what they want to do. If people are unable to communicate using speech, they may benefit from a referral to the Bristol Communication Aids Service.

SLTs will provide information on the nature of the communication problem and will carry out thorough assessments to determine the most effective intervention for an individual. They may implement programmes of therapy if appropriate or give advice and support to carers, to ensure that people are able to communicate as effectively as possible. SLTs will work with individuals, groups, and their families or carers.

Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) covering acute and outpatient services at North Bristol NHS Trust for adults over the age of 18 years are based at Southmead and Cossham Hospitals.

Close links are maintained with SLTs working in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire areas. Joint working is promoted with the Adult Learning Difficulty SLTs for their clients, who may require access to specialist SLT Services (e.g. stammering, Videofluoroscopy) provided in North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT).

The Service does not accept referrals for adults with developmental speech or language disorders, congenital deafness and those with social communication difficulties related to Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

The SLT service for people with voice problems is based at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.

No dedicated SLT service is provided currently to Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust.

The following clinics run weekly

• Videofluoroscopy swallow assessment clinics
• Stammering
• Outpatient clinics for people who have acquired swallowing difficulties or an acquired communication disorder as a result of a neurological or general medical condition

The Anaesthetic Department provides services at Southmead Hospital Bristol. 

• All theatre sessions
• Emergency surgery
• Post-operative care
• Clinical care of patients in the Intensive Care Unit and High Dependency Unit
• Analgesia and anaesthesia for obstetrics
• Chronic pain management

Following assessment, adaptive equipment is sometimes supplied to you for use at home following discharge. This may include items such as commodes, trolleys, perching stools, toileting equipment, chair & bed raisers and hoists. The equipment is issued on loan, without charge, and will either be delivered or given to you, a friend or relative to take home.

Equipment on loan is supplied by Medequip (Community Equipment), who should be contacted to request a repair or arrange collection of equipment. Please do not return any equipment to our hospitals.

Returning Equipment

If you have already benefited from equipment loaned to you that you no longer need, Medequip can arrange a free collection, to recycle and help others in need. Contact Medequip on 0330 053 3655 or email bnssg@medequip-uk.com.

Return to Medequip yourself:

Emersons Green

Unit 105
Farendell Road
Emerald Park East
Emersons Green
Bristol 
BS16 7FF

Weston-super-Mare

Unit 7 Weston Industrial Estate
Lynx Crescent 
Weston-super-Mare
BS24 9DJ
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday - Friday

For other areas please see Medequip’s website medequipuk.com

Alternative ways to access equipment

Individuals in the community who have not had recent intervention from a hospital Occupational Therapist, but require a review of existing equipment or feel some new equipment may assist them, have various options.

Contact Bristol Social Services department
Care Direct: 0117 9222700
Email: adult.care@bristol.gov.uk
www.bristol.gov.uk/housing/disabled-adaptations

Contact South Gloucestershire Social Services department
Adult Care Customer Services: 01454 868007
Email: csodesk@southglos.gov.uk
www.southglos.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/care-for-adults

Contact North Somerset Social Services department
Care Connect: 01275 888801
Email: care.connect@n-somerset.gov.uk
 

Contact the Red Cross to enquire about hiring equipment
Telephone: 0117 3012606
www.redcross.org.uk
Bradbury House
Caxton Business Park
83 Tower Road North
Warmley
Bristol BS30 8XP

Contact WE Care & Repair
Telephone: 0300 3230700
Email: info@wecr.org.uk

http://www.wecr.org.uk/

Wheelchairs

If a hospital inpatient requires a wheelchair for long term use (over 6 months) they will be referred to the Bristol Centre for Enablement for assessment (there are specific criteria that have to be met)

If you need a wheelchair for short term use (under 6 months), hospital and community patients will normally be directed to the Red Cross (contact number above). You can also purchase or hire wheelchairs from many local mobility shops.

If you are registered with a GP in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset or BANES and feel you need a long term wheelchair but are not a hospital inpatient, please ask your GP to refer you to the Bristol Centre for Enablement Wheelchair and Special Seating Service.

Occupational therapists and support workers help people engage as independently as possible in the activities (occupations) which enhance their health and wellbeing.

'The treatment of people with physical and psychiatric illness or disability through specific selected occupation for the purpose of enabling individuals to reach their maximum level of functioning and independence in all aspects of life. The occupational therapist assesses the physical, psychological and social functions of the individual, identifies areas of dysfunction and involves the individual in a structured programme of activity to overcome disability. The activity selected will relate to the consumers personal, social, cultural and economic needs and will reflect the environmental factors which govern his/her life.’ College of Occupational Therapy 2000

For further information on the College of Occupational Therapy, visit www.cot.co.uk

Occupational Therapy enables those who are recovering from illness, or adapting to permanent or temporary disability, to be as independent as possible. Intervention is directed towards:

• providing comprehensive assessment
• improving or maintaining functional levels
• organising a safe home environment
• facilitating discharge from hospital
• ensuring, when appropriate, continuing rehabilitation at home

Examples of occupational therapy intervention in a hospital setting may include:

• Assessment of activities of daily living (ADL)
• Physical rehabilitation
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Providing equipment to enable ongoing independence following discharge from hospital
• Training in alternative techniques and use of equipment to achieve independence.
• Home visits and adaptation of the home environment
• Splinting to aid good position, prevention of contracture and return of function
• Providing advice to patient and carers
• Promotion of health and coping strategies.
• Planning and facilitating hospital discharge
• Mobilisation of joints, building up strength, dexterity and work tolerance
• Retraining in specific movements and skill

Assessment for the provision of wheelchairs when there is a long term need (over 6 months).

The Occupational Therapy service within North Bristol NHS Trust provides high quality, efficient and patient centred services to achieve the best possible outcomes for all individuals who are referred.

There are around 90 occupational therapists working within a majority of the specialities within the trust, providing excellent care for inpatients and outpatients.

The services covered are:

• General Medicine
• General Surgery
• Care of the Elderly (Acute & rehab)
• Rheumatology
• Palliative Care
• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Burns & Plastics
• Trauma and elective Orthopaedics
• Upper Limb Rehabilitation
• Day Hospital
• Stroke Rehabilitation/ Stroke outreach
• Rheumatology
• Dementia Services

Occupational Therapy Outpatient services include:

• Rheumatology
• Scar Management
• Burns and Plastics
• Upper limb rehabilitation for wrist/hand fractures
• Upper limb prosthetics
• Wheelchair Services

If you have a burn affecting a joint you will often be seen by the therapy team. The team consists of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.

Therapy may consist of exercises, assistance with walking, practise with functional tasks, a fitness program and/or splinting.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function to as near normal as possible when someone is affected by injury or illness. The burn may be painful and make it difficult for you to move.  Your Physiotherapist will ensure you are given adequate pain relief for your therapy sessions and will provide you with exercises to help regain your movement as quickly as possible. Where a patient is having difficulty walking, a physiotherapist has access to a range of walking aids to help get you back on your feet.

The Physiotherapy team has access to a large gym with the latest exercise equipment such as a treadmill and exercise bikes. You may also be offered use of the Nintendo Wii computer gaming system to help distract and entertain you while you exercise.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

At North Bristol NHS Trust, the Burns Occupational Therapy service plays a key part in helping people recover after a burn injury. 

Occupational therapists work closely with patients to understand how their injury affects everyday activities like washing, dressing, cooking, and moving around. 

They carry out detailed assessments and provide personalised support, which may include adaptive equipment to make tasks easier and rehabilitation programmes to help rebuild strength and independence. 

A major focus is on preventing burn contractures, tightening of the skin and joints, through early movement, careful positioning, and custom-made splints. 

The occupational therapists also offer scar management treatments such as pressure therapy, silicone therapy, and LPG massage to help reduce the long-term effects of scarring. 

Importantly, the team supports patients in preparing to go home, making sure they feel confident and safe in their own environment. This might include discussion about your home environment, advice for family members, and planning for any extra help needed. The goal is always to help people get back to doing the things that matter most to them, with comfort, dignity, and independence.

Psychology/emotional support

Recovering from a burn injury can be a difficult time. The ward has access to a Psychologist who may visit you at your bedside to talk about any difficulties you may have coming to terms with your injury.

The Acute Burns Clinic (ABC) is next to the burns unit on Gate 33A, Level 2, Brunel Building (in the pink zone).

When visiting this clinic please enter the Burns Unit and speak to the receptionist who will ask you to take a seat in the waiting area just outside the ward. There is limited space so please try to avoid bringing children where possible and limit additional family members.

The ABC offers appointments daily, seeing burns patients referred to the service by:

• GP’s
• Emergency Departments
• Minor Injury Units.

The clinic offers the ability to:

• Provide specialist assessment and treatment of new burn injuries
• Provide dressing changes which are more difficult to perform in the community because they take time or require specialist pain relief such as Entonox
• Shower your burns if required
• Take an image of your burn with a Laser Doppler Imager (LDI) or a photograph if required. This can provide information to support the decision making process on how best to manage your injury
• Complex burns injury multi-disciplinary team (MDT) review on a Monday afternoon 2pm-3.30pm
• Allow reviews by others members of the burns team for example Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists or Clinical Psychologist
• Allow you to take part in some of the additional work done in the department such as research and evaluations.