The Adult Speech Language Therapy team is involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of difficulties with communication and swallowing in people over the age of 16.
Communication and swallowing problems usually occur from these conditions.
- Stroke and head injuries.
- Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. motor neurone disease, and dementia.
- Cancer of the head/brain, neck, or throat.
- Respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Speech Language Therapists provide inpatient and outpatient services at Whangārei Hospital and Kaitaia Hospital. Services are also provided at Dargaville Hospital and Bay of Islands Hospital by Speech Language Therapists from Whangārei.