Speech and language therapists
The Specialist NHS Aphasia Clinic has been established to provide specialist help and advice to people with aphasia and to speech and language therapists. It is coordinated, from the University of Manchester, by:
- Professor Matthew Lambon Ralph
Neuropsychologist who specialises in cognitive and language problems in stroke, dementia and other neurological diseases - Dr Karen Sage
Speech and language therapist who specialises in aphasia, and is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Manchester
Specialist help and advice
The type of specialist help and advice they can provide may be:
- Further investigation into the nature and presentation of the aphasia
- Participation in more detailed and in-depth assessments of language
- Discussion of therapy programmes and management options
- Discussion of opportunities for participation in research
The clinic is a partnership between the speech and language therapy (SLT) service, East Lancashire Primary Care Trust and the University of Manchester.
Referral criteria
Anyone with aphasia can be referred to the clinic (including people with progressive aphasia). People referred should currently be receiving SLT intervention, including assessment, advice and therapy and it should be anticipated that this will continue. Reasons for referral to the clinic could include:
- Advice on more in-depth assessments, particularly in areas where standardised materials are not available
- Further investigations to establish the nature of the underlying language impairment
- Advice on alternative therapy interventions
- Suitability for the person with aphasia to take part in a research project
Referall process
Referral to the Specialist NHS Aphasia Clinic is made by completing a Referral form (Word document, 126 KB)
Please send completed forms to:
Dr Karen Sage
Research Speech and Language Therapist
Neuroscience and Aphasia Research Unit
School of Psychological Sciences
University of Manchester
Room T15, Zochonis Building
Brunswick Street
Manchester, M13 9PL
All referrals will be acknowledged to both the referring Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and the client. An estimated waiting time will be provided. In the first instance, the team will contact the SLT about the reason for the referral. Contact with the client may be indirect via the referring therapist, or clients may be seen either as an out-patient at Rossendale Hospital, in their own homes, or an another suitable location.
SLTs are invited to attend the appointment with their client. If unable to attend, a meeting will be arranged to discuss the outcome of the clinic. Clients may be required to attend more than one appointment or be seen on a review system, as appropriate. In addition, some clients may be invited to participate in research projects at The University of Manchester.
Responsibility for care
The Specialist NHS Aphasia Clinic is an advisory and support service only. It will not take over client management or provide on-going intervention. All clients remain under the care of the referring SLT for the duration of the clinic team's involvement in their care. The clinic team are keen to promote partnership working with the referring SLT, particularly where further assessment and therapy options are recommended. The nature of the clinic team's ongoing involvement with a client will be discussed at the outcome meeting.
Contact
For further information, please contact Dr Karen Sage on:
+44 (0)161 275 2683
karen.sage@manchester.ac.uk