Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT)

Our Service provides specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment to adults in East Sussex with acquired communication, voice and swallowing difficulties.

We deliver therapy to both inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation units and the community.

Why would I be referred to Speech and Language Therapy?

You may be referred to us if you or someone looking after you feel there is a new or recent difficulty with swallowing food or drink, or talking.

How often will I be Seen?

Patients are seen according to their needs. Some patients are seen weekly whilst others may need to be seen daily. Patients with severe problems swallowing, especially those that are not able (or safe) to eat and drink at all will be given greatest priority.

Family Involvement

It is very useful to have information and involvement from the patient’s family or carers and we encourage this at every stage.

Community service

Referral to our community services is via:

  • GP, nurse or other health professional
  • We are not able to provide therapy for communication difficulties related to Dysfluency and Dementia within the community services. If patients require input for this, they can contact the Association of Speech and Language Therapist in Independent Practice (ASLTIP) website at helpwithtalking.com to find a Speech and Language Therapist who can help.

Our Community teams are based at

Centenary House
Avenue House
1A The Avenue
Eastbourne
East Sussex, BN21 3XY

Irvine Unit
Bexhill Hospital
Holliers Hill
Bexhill-on-Sea
East Sussex, TN40 2DZ

Our Hospital/Head and Neck Cancer teams are based at

Centenary House – Tel: (01323) 446047
Conquest Hospital – Tel: (01424) 755255 Ext: 8639
Eastbourne DGH – Tel: (01323) 417400 Ext: 4793
Irvine Unit – Tel: 0300 1314419
Stroke Team (based at Irvine Unit) – Tel: 0300 1314415