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Speak easy with the help of Speech Pathologists
(Speech Pathology Week 24-30 August)
Seven-years ago, Attunga resident Warwick Mowbray went to bed as normal, he woke up to find he had suffered a stroke. Virtually overnight, the businessman lost all forms of verbal communication, a simple conversation with his family and friends suddenly became a huge obstacle.
After undertaking a rehabilitation speech therapy program at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital (TRRH) Mr Mowbray can now hold a conversation.
“Talking is still an ongoing, day-to-day battle but with the help of the Speech Pathologists at Tamworth I have regained a lot of confidence,” Mr Mowbray said.
“I took speech for granted, suddenly I was without any means of communicating at all, it was very frustrating,” he said.
TRRH has two Speech Pathologists working at the hospital in an acute, rehabilitation and community setting. Another Speech Pathologist works in the New England Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, providing a consultative service to Tamworth and the surrounding north west region for individuals with a traumatic brain injury.
Speech Pathologist, Kate McInnes said people who suffer from a stroke often have communication difficulties.
“We also work closely with individuals who stutter, are recovering from a brain injury, people with a degenerative disease such as Parkinson’s disease or dementia and those who have had a laryngectomy,” Ms McInnes said.
Merv Russell is another Speech Pathology success story. Less than 18 months ago the Carroll resident had a laryngectomy (removal or part removal of the larynx or voice box) after being diagnosed with throat cancer.
“After the surgery I had to be taught how to eat food again, I started a six-week program with the help of the Speech Pathologists at Tamworth, who showed me how to swallow and eventually how to speak again. They were very supportive,” Mr Russell said.
People with a communication difficulty may require specific strategies to communicate. Some people may have no difficulty listening to and understanding others, however may need assistance with talking. People in the community may find the following tips helpful when speaking to someone with a communication impairment:
• Face the person when engaging in a conversation;
• Speak naturally and clearly;
• Make sure the person can hear you;
• Limit background noise and distractions;
• Use simple, easy to understand language;
• Be a good listener and supportive; and
• Allow enough time for the person to respond.
Patients who are recovering from a stroke at Tamworth Hospital are now able to benefit from services provided at the new Acute Stoke Unit which opened recently (1 July).
The services provide a dedicated setting for early Speech Pathology involvement in the assessment and commencement of communication therapy for patients who have suffered from a stroke.
For more information regarding Speech Pathology go to www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au and www.stilltalking.org.au or call Hunter New England Health on 6767 8377
Media Opportunities: Monday 25 August at 11am
• Speech Pathologist Kate McInnes, Mr Warwick Mowbray and his wife Robyn are available of interview and photo opportunity (meet outside Tamworth Hospital Rehabilitation Unit)
• Mr Merv Russell a resident who has had a Laryngectomy is also available for interview to share his story on his rehabilitation through speech therapy. (HNE - 1502)
Contact: Kylie Dawson
Phone: (02) 67677136 or 0408 667 299
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