Speech Pathology

What is a Speech Pathologist?

 

Speech pathologists can help people communicate, or when they have trouble eating and drinking. They help people when they have trouble understanding and talking with other others. They help with reading, spelling and using technology or other ways to communicate.

 

Speech pathologists also help people who have trouble swallowing, which can make eating and drinking difficult or unsafe.

 

GSHS Speech Pathology Services include:

 

Preschool Outpatient Clinic:

 

Who would benefit from this service?

 

Children from birth to preschool age who have swallowing or communication needs such as:

• Delayed or disordered speech sound development

• Delayed or disordered language development

• Stuttering

• Voice difficulties

• Pragmatic/social language delays or differences

• Fussy Eating (SOS Clinic)

 

This service is not a multidisciplinary or “Early Intervention” program. School aged children can access this service if they have a Team Care Arrangement from their GP for the number of sessions allocated.

 

General Outpatient Clinic:

 

Who would benefit from this service?

• Children who have communication disorders, including difficulties with speech, language, pragmatic language (social language), fluency and voice.

• Adults who are having difficulties with eating and drinking, speaking, understanding and reading or writing, following a recent or past neurological event.

 

Speech Pathologists are also involved in providing services within the hospital including inpatient wards and residential aged care supporting patients and residents with swallowing difficulties.

 

​

How to Access the Service:

 

If you are under 65 years old, referrals can be made by service providers (GP, shire council, other health professionals, kinder teachers, teachers, maternal child health nurse, or paediatrician). You can also self-refer by contacting our intake team directly.

 

Referrals can be made via the telephone, email, fax or post as follows:

 

Phone:    5654 2737

Email:     gateway@gshs.com.au

Fax:        5667 5634

Address: Gateway Intake Service, GSHS, Private Bag 13, Leongatha 3953.

Contact hours: 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays)

 

If you are over 65 years old, you need to be referred through My Aged Care. You can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and ask to be referred to Gippsland Southern Health Service.

​

​

Fees:

 

There may be a fee for our services as per our fees policy. NDIS participants will be charged as per the pricing guidelines.