Head and Neck Service

Speech and Language Therapy Head and Neck Service
Crow Thorne Rehabilitation Ward
Torbay Hospital
Lowes Bridge
Torquay
TQ2 7AA

Tel: 01803 654931

Cancer of Head and Neck

Speech and Language Therapists are a part of the Head and Neck Team involved in your care.

We will have undergone a three year training course and are qualified to assess and treat speech and/or swallowing difficulties that may be associated with head and neck cancer.

What will happen first?

We will have introduced ourselves to you at the initial visit to the head and neck clinic. We will briefly explain our role in your care and aim to give you an explanation of the way your speech and swallowing may be affected by the treatment you received.

What happens next?

We aim to meet you before any surgery/treatment to discuss plans for therapy.

This may include:

• Advice for you and your family or carers following treatment/surgery.
• A thorough explanation of how your speech and swallowing may be affected.
• How soon we will see you after surgery/treatment.
• Examination and full assessment of any changes.
• Discussions of therapy for any difficulties you may experience with eating, drinking and speaking.
• Therapy may continue after you have been discharged from hospital, in the form of outpatient visits.