Speech Pathology Week is held each year to raise awareness of the role of speech pathologists.
Senior Speech Pathologist with Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Kim Scott said the week is a chance to raise awareness of the profession and remind people that Speech Pathologists are here to help with a range of challenges.
“Speech Pathology is commonly associated with children and the development of their speech. What people may not realise is that we work with people right across the lifespan,” said Kim.
“I am an adult Speech Pathologist, so I work with adults who need assistance with communication, and also with eating, drinking and swallowing.
“In adults, issues may stem from stroke, brain injury, cancer or a degenerative disease, or may be age related.”
Kim explained that the care speech pathologists provide to their clients can be different for each person.
“We give education, and lots of different options – we are very patient centred and focused on individual goals.
“Being able to work with people when they have been through the worst time of their life, to achieve their communication goals and improve their eating and drinking, that is really rewarding.”
Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s speech pathology services are accessed through the Community Care Intake Service.