Speech and language therapy assessment is available for both children and adults who may have communication or swallowing problems. Indications may include patients with delayed speech, mental health, learning disabilities or neurological conditions.

Some of these services may also offer relevant training for care staff.

The NEWT Guidelines website draws together the available information relating to medicines management in patients with enteral feeding tubes or swallowing difficulties. The website includes 600+ drug monographs, as well as practical and legal aspects, and general guidance.

NCL MOT has purchased subscription to the online NEWT guidelines for NCL practices and has shared access details directly with practices via email.

Contact the NCL MOT nclicb.medsoptimisation@nhs.net if you have any queries.

Area specific guidance for Camden

Speech and language therapists are embedded within a range of specialist services across Camden:

• adults with a neurological condition such as stroke, brain injury, or progressive neurologies: refer to the Camden Neurology and Stroke Service
• adults with learning disabilities: refer to the Camden Learning Disability Service. See also the Camden Learning Disabilities Service on the Camden Borough website
• adults who stammer: may be signposted to self-refer to the Michael Palin Service
• adults with altered voice quality (e.g. hoarseness): refer to ENT initially, who can refer into specialist voice clinics
• for speech difficulties related to hearing loss, refer to SLT at the Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital and see also advice from RNID