Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) employed by WOHC provide assessment and treatment of swallowing and communication disorders to adult and geriatric inpatients and outpatients. Additional outpatient services are now offered at both Etobicoke General and Brampton Civic hospital sites. There are limited hours for outpatient neurological speech-language and videofluoroscopic swallow study services.

Areas of Service

Speech-Language Pathology services the inpatient Medical Program (including Oncology, Cardiology, Respirology, and Nephrology), Intensive Care Units, Surgery, Complex Continuing Care, Rehabilitation, and Palliative Care.

Outpatient neurological rehabilitation services are offered to those living in LHIN 5 that require speech-language intervention due to a neurological event. Videofluoroscpic swallow studies with follow up therapy are also available on an outpatient basis.

Accessing Speech-Language Pathology Services

A physician's referral/order is required to access the services of a SLP at WOHC.

Inpatient services:
Any member of the multidisciplinary team, nurse, patient or family member can suggest that a swallowing assessment or communication assessment be initiated; however an order must be obtained from the most responsible physician before the patient will be seen the SLP.  If a referral is received from one of the floors that have SLP coverage it is expected that the patient will be seen within 48 hours from when the SLP received the referral. 
SLPs provide assessment, therapy and education related to swallowing problems (dysphagia) and speech and language disorders (dysarthria, aphasia, apraxia, voice, and dysfluency).

Outpatient services:
Referral forms are available for outpatient SLP services requiring the reason for the referral and the physician's signature. Referrals can be received in person, by mail or by
fax. The fax number is (905) 796-4478.

All patients referred for either a videofluroscopic swallow study or speech-language intervention must reside in LHIN 5.

The outpatient neurological speech and language services are offered to adults who have a diagnosis of stroke or traumatic brain injury.  Preference is given to those who were seen at WOHC and those who had a stroke within one year of the referral. 
 
WOHC does not offer any speech-language pediatric outpatient services.