Overview
If you have or have had Covid-19 and are experiencing some changes to your voice you may find this information useful: Advice for post Covid-19 voice recovery.
You may have communication problems as a result of a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, cancer or another medical condition. Speech and Language Therapy could make a real difference to you.
If you have voice, articulation, language or fluency problems we may offer you one to one or group therapy to help you manage your condition.
If you have swallowing problems, our service may be able to help you, with advice and assistance, to eat and drink when it is safe.
From February 2025, we will be offering a programme for patients with Parkinson’s disease who have swallowing problems. This involves a handheld EMST device that helps you exercise the muscles you use for breathing.
The current average waiting time for the Adult Speech and Language Therapy service is 6.3 weeks.
Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes. To find out more, visit Personal information – Bromley Healthcare.
Using this service
You can self-refer if you are experiencing problems with swallowing or your communication and you have a recognised diagnosis that is contributing to your difficulties. If your symptoms are new or unexplained it is always recommended that you speak with your GP first. There may be other medical conditions we need to know about and your doctor needs to know that you are coming to see us. It also allows them to understand the nature of your problem and whether a referral to another service alongside speech and language therapy is required.
We are happy to accept referrals from doctors (GPs), other nursing and therapy staff, those working in education and social services.
Referrals for a hoarse voice in the absence of a neurological diagnosis are only accepted once a person has been seen by ENT and therefore a person should be referred to this service first.
If you think you might benefit from our service and want more information please contact us direct on the telephone or in writing. If you have problems using the telephone we’re happy for you to ask someone to call us on your behalf.
Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes. To find out more, visit Personal information – Bromley Healthcare.
Who this service is for
The service is available to anyone with an acquired communication or swallowing difficulties, who is over 16 and has a Bromley GP – but not for those with a learning disability diagnosis. If you intend to refer someone to the service please ask the consent of the person you’re referring. We generally like to know your name, address, your doctor (GP) and as much history of your condition as you can offer.
Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes. To find out more, visit Personal information – Bromley Healthcare.
Swallowing Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
From February 2025, Adult Speech and Language Therapy will be offering an intensive new programme for People with Parkinson’s who have swallowing problems.
Why is swallowing support important in Parkinson’s?
Up to 80% of people with Parkinson’s disease can develop swallowing issues (dysphagia). This can lead to issues such as:
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Higher risk of food or fluids entering the airway
- Increased chance of chest infections and pneumonia
By addressing swallowing problems early, you can reduce these risks and improve your overall quality of life.
About the new therapy programme
Our programme focuses on a pioneering therapy called Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST). This therapy uses a handheld device to strengthen the muscles involved in breathing and swallowing. Over time, resistance is gradually increased to help patients build strength and improve their swallowing abilities.
Key features of the programme include:
- Comprehensive assessments: We will start with an initial evaluation of your swallowing ability and carry out a final review to measure progress.
- Personalised support: Between 10 and 16 tailored therapy sessions, each adapted to your individual needs.
- Flexible delivery: You can choose in-clinic, at-home, or virtual sessions to ensure the service is accessible and convenient
Benefits for people with Parkinson’s
- Strengthen swallowing muscles: EMST helps enhance the efficiency of the muscles used in swallowing, making meals safer and more comfortable.
- Improve cough effectiveness: A stronger cough reduces the chances of food, drink, or saliva entering your airway.
- Promote independence: By tackling swallowing difficulties early, you can enjoy eating, drinking, and socialising with greater confidence.
Who can access this treatment?
If you live in Bromley and have Parkinson’s disease—whether you already experience swallowing difficulties or are in the early stages with symptoms like excess saliva or drooling—you are encouraged to seek support. Referrals can also be made on someone’s behalf by carers or healthcare professionals.
How to make a referral
If you think this programme could benefit you or someone you care for, please get in touch with our Adult Speech and Language Therapy team:
- Email: bromh.asltreferrals@nhs.net
- Phone: 0300 330 5777
When you contact us, please provide:
- Your full name and contact details (or those of the person being referred).
- Any relevant information about swallowing or saliva-related issues to help us tailor the service.
Resources
- Advice on Eating, Swallowing and Managing Saliva:
Parkinson’s UK – Eating, swallowing and managing saliva
This programme has been made possible through a grant from the Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network.
Appointments
You will be contacted by a member of our team to book your appointment. For Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), Voice and Outpatient appointments you should expect to receive a link via text message to book your appointment with us online. This will come from NHSBHCare. Please click on the link to book a time and date that is convenient for you. If you haven’t received a link or you have problems making a booking, please call 0300 330 5777. If you choose not to use the online booking link, we will call you to arrange your appointment.
Your first appointment
You will generally be seen for about 45 minutes and will be asked questions about your condition or problem and you may be asked to try some communication or swallowing exercises. The therapist will ask you about any medications you are taking as this may affect the problems that you have and the management that we suggest.
You will be given lots of advice, the reasons we’re advising you to try certain things and you will be invited to discuss the next steps in your treatment.
Changing or cancelling an appointment
Please give us as much notice as possible so that we can offer your appointment to someone else. Please leave a message on the voicemail system if someone is unable to answer the telephone, leaving your full name, appointment time and a contact number so that we can contact you to make another appointment. We’re happy for someone to call on your behalf if you have trouble using the telephone.
Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes. To find out more, visit Personal information – Bromley Healthcare.
More information
Useful information and advice
b-HIVE
A collective of therapy advice, support and services for children, teenagers and young adults in Bromley.
The Stroke association
The Stroke association offers comprehensive advice for anyone living with stroke, their families and carers, with practical advice, help and contact for local groups.
Connect
Connect is a charity for people living with aphasia, a communication disability which usually occurs after stroke. Bromley Healthcare is working in partnership with “Conversation partners” (a Connect project) supporting people in the community.
Speakability
A national organisation to support patients following a stroke or with other communication difficulties.
Headway
Help and advice from the national charity supporting people with brain injury.
Motor Neuron Disease association
Advice and practical support for patients with Motor Neuron disease and their families.
Parkinson’s UK
The Parkinson’s support and research charity. For more than 40 years, working to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.
Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes. To find out more, visit Personal information – Bromley Healthcare.
For professionals
Patients can be referred via the Single Point of Entry form on EMIS.
Alternatively, patients can self-refer by calling the service on 01689 866650 or by emailing bromh.asltreferrals@nhs.net
Head of Adult Speech and Language Therapy: Bindu Vekaria
Calls are recorded for training and quality purposes. To find out more, visit Personal information – Bromley Healthcare.