Speech and Language Therapy

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Neonatal SLTs in London

The role of the Neonatal SLT has evolved over the last decade. SLTs on neonatal units once provided more traditional problem-based intervention as Dysphagia specialists. Neonatal SLTs now provide a more holistic service to babies and families, encompassing best practice models of neonatal care such as Baby Friendly Initiative, Family Integrated Care and Bliss Baby Charter.

A Neonatal SLT specialises in developmental feeding and feeding and swallowing difficulties. They are experts in speech, language and communication development.

On the neonatal unit, as part of the wider neonatal team we empower parents to support their baby’s feeding and communication development.

How we work

With increased funding and time, Neonatal SLTs are able to deliver a service that supports all babies and families using different approaches.

Using this model of service provision, Neonatal SLTs support not only babies who require more individualised care (specialist care), but also essential developmental feeding, speech, language and communication advice to babies whose development is at risk due to their gestational age or diagnosis (targeted care). They are also able to create and deliver education that benefits all babies and families as well as the wider neonatal team under the umbrella of family integrated developmentally supportive care (universal).

The role of your London ODN Speech and Language Therapists

Resource Links

The RCSLT Identification Tool

The RCSLT Identification Tool is a new resource developed by London ODN SLTs as part of a national OD SLT working party to support unit SLTs in identifying babies who would benefit from SLT input. It uses the ‘specialist’, ‘targeted’ and ‘universal’ framework to support prioritisation and to inform service delivery and design. The mapping tool has been provided so that unit SLTs can plot what they currently deliver against the funding parameters, helping to identify future opportunities for growth. This national resource has been presented to Unit Leads and Matrons at the London ODN Clinical Oversight Groups over the last two weeks, and was also introduced to Neonatal SLTs in London.