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Speech Language Therapy | Lakes | Te Whatu Ora
Public Service, Allied Health, Speech Language Therapy
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Description
Te Whatu Ora Lakes Speech-Language Therapists provide services for:
- Inpatients and Outpatients
- Adults: Acquired communication and swallowing disorders related to a health condition
- Children: birth + for feeding and swallowing difficulties (unless child has a developmental condition that is more appropriate for Child Development Team Services). Please note: We do not see children for communication difficulties. For children under 3 please refer to Te Whatu Ora Lakes Child Development Service. For school aged children with communication issues, please refer to Te Mahau (Ministry of Education)
- Group therapy sessions (e.g. Aphasia group, Parkinson's Speech and Voice group).
Where to find us: see the Rotorua Hospital map here.
The team are based at Rotorua Hospital with a visiting service provided to Taupō Hospital approximately once a week.
What is Speech Language Therapy?
Speech-Language Therapists (aka SLTs) are university trained health professionals who can diagnose and treat difficulties that affect communication and swallowing. Within the health / hospital setting, SLTs often work with people who have acquired difficulties in the following areas: speech, language, voice, swallowing, and acquired fluency disorders.
Staff
| Name | Role | Extension Number |
| Vacant | Speech-Language Therapist /Team Leader | 8528/8529 |
| Abigail Akkersma | Speech-Language Therapist | 8529 |
| Shannon Mackintosh | Speech-Language Therapist | 8528 |
| Joanne Lawson | Administration Support | 7913 |
Email: speech.therapy@lakesdhb.govt.nz
Ages
Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
How do I access this service?
Contact us
We do accept self-referrals. For any queries please email: speech.therapy@lakesdhb.govt.nz.
Referral
We accept GP referrals or from other hospital specialist services. Please provide a brief summary of any relevant medical information and a reason for SLT referral (e.g. for swallow assessment due to concerns coughing with fluids while drinking).
Fees and Charges Description
New Zealand citizens or those who have obtained permanent residence are entitled to publicly funded health care.
Non-residents may be required to pay for their health care.
Click here to read more about eligibility for funded care at Te Whatu Ora Lakes
Hours
| Mon – Fri | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|
Public Holidays: Closed ANZAC Day (25 Apr), King's Birthday (3 Jun), Matariki (28 Jun), Labour Day (28 Oct), Auckland Anniversary (27 Jan), Waitangi Day (6 Feb), Good Friday (18 Apr), Easter Sunday (20 Apr), Easter Monday (21 Apr).
Services
Inpatients and outpatients with communication and swallowing difficulties resulting from stroke, head injury, progressive neurological diseases, age-related disorders. We are currently able to offer instrumental swallowing diagnostic assessments such as VFSS (Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies) in conjunction with our Radiology Department, and also FEES ( Fibre Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) assessments. We are able to offer home visits if mobility or transport is an issue.
Inpatients and outpatients with communication and swallowing difficulties resulting from stroke, head injury, progressive neurological diseases, age-related disorders. We are currently able to offer instrumental swallowing diagnostic assessments such as VFSS (Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies) in conjunction with our Radiology Department, and also FEES ( Fibre Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) assessments. We are able to offer home visits if mobility or transport is an issue.
Inpatients and outpatients with communication and swallowing difficulties resulting from stroke, head injury, progressive neurological diseases, age-related disorders. We are currently able to offer instrumental swallowing diagnostic assessments such as VFSS (Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies) in conjunction with our Radiology Department, and also FEES ( Fibre Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) assessments.
We are able to offer home visits if mobility or transport is an issue.
Children with feeding or swallowing difficulties can be seen. Outpatient clinics are now held at Te Aka Mauri (Children's Health Hub), home visits may also be offered if appropriate. Paediatric clients who are inpatients on the Children's Ward or SCBU of Rotorua Hospital will be seen there if required. Children who have developmental issues and are eligible for services through the Child Development Team (CDT) will be seen by the CDT speech-language therapist. Children who require speech-language therapy input for communication disorders after they turn 3 years old will be referred on to the Ministry of Education Early Intervention Team.
Children with feeding or swallowing difficulties can be seen. Outpatient clinics are now held at Te Aka Mauri (Children's Health Hub), home visits may also be offered if appropriate. Paediatric clients who are inpatients on the Children's Ward or SCBU of Rotorua Hospital will be seen there if required. Children who have developmental issues and are eligible for services through the Child Development Team (CDT) will be seen by the CDT speech-language therapist. Children who require speech-language therapy input for communication disorders after they turn 3 years old will be referred on to the Ministry of Education Early Intervention Team.
Children with feeding or swallowing difficulties can be seen. Outpatient clinics are now held at Te Aka Mauri (Children's Health Hub), home visits may also be offered if appropriate. Paediatric clients who are inpatients on the Children's Ward or SCBU of Rotorua Hospital will be seen there if required.
Children who have developmental issues and are eligible for services through the Child Development Team (CDT) will be seen by the CDT speech-language therapist.
Children who require speech-language therapy input for communication disorders after they turn 3 years old will be referred on to the Ministry of Education Early Intervention Team.
Pharmacy
Click here to find your nearest community pharmacy.
Other
Click on the location links for more information on your trip to Rotorua Hospital or Taupō Hospital, including:
- Visiting hours
- Travel directions
- Public transport
- Parking
- Refreshments
- Security
- Transport and accommodation assistance
Website
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This page was last updated at 10:03AM on September 8, 2022. This information is reviewed and edited by Speech Language Therapy | Lakes | Te Whatu Ora.