Exclusions

Gastro-oesophageal dysphagia

If your patient has signs of gastro-oesophageal dysphagia only (e.g. nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, early satiety) this referral will be rejected as it is outside our scope of practice. Please refer to Gastroenterology.

Adults with autism spectrum conditions

We are unable to provide assessment or treatment for developmental communication difficulties related to autism spectrum conditions. Adults with autism spectrum conditions and a diagnosed learning disability can be referred to the Adult Learning Disability specialist service below.

Adults with learning disability

Please refer to the ALD service.

Asking for Help | Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust (hacw.nhs.uk)

Recent stroke

If the stroke was in the last 6 months, please refer to the Community Stroke Service.

Our Services | Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust (hacw.nhs.uk)

Head and neck cancer

Please refer patients with a current diagnosis of head and neck cancer to Worcestershire Acute Hospitals SLT.   

Voice disorders

All patients with a new voice disorder must have been assessed by Ear Nose and Throat during the 6 months prior to a Speech and Language Therapy referral to exclude structural causes including malignancy and ensure our therapy is the appropriate course of treatment.

Eating and drinking with acknowledged risks (feeding at risk)

If your patient has a feeding at risk decision in place, we will  not  usually assess them. We  may  offer an assessment under certain circumstances, e.g. if they have capacity and have previously chosen not to follow SLT advice but would now like to do so.  Please be aware this must be the patient’s choice.  We may also offer an assessment if they appear to have clinically improved and so would like updated advice.