Speech Language Therapy (Adults)

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 most commonly occur from the following 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 when demand is sufficient.

Referral process

• If you have concerns about communication or swallowing, please contact your GP for a referral to the Speech Language Therapy Service.
• Referrals for voice therapy must come from an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.
• Please refer to Te Whatu Ora’s Child Health Service for Speech Language Therapy services for children.

Contacts

Whangārei
Ph: 09 430 4101 ext. 7706 
Hours: 8:00am to 4:30pm
Location: Level 1, Speech Language and Occupational Therapy Department, Medical Wing, Whangārei Base Hospital.

Kaitaia
Ph: 09 408 9181 ext. 4786 or 021 504 839 

Bay of Islands
Ph: 09 404 0280 ext. 7706

Dargaville
Ph: 09 439 3330 ext. 7706

Useful links

• New Zealand Speech Therapists’ Association
• Stroke Foundation 
• Aphasia NZ 
• Motor Neurone Disease 
• Parkinson’s disease association