Speech-Language Pathology
We evaluate and treat speech, language and swallowing disorders.
Services
Speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat speech, language and swallowing disorders which can often result from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, tracheostomy, degenerative and infectious disease (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, dementia or AIDS), or head/neck surgery and cancer.
Services at Providence include:
- Assessing and diagnosing communication and swallowing disorders.
- Providing staff and family with strategies to help facilitate communication and swallowing. P
- roviding augmentative communication devices for non-verbal patients.
- Providing direct treatment for patients and counseling for families.
Speech-language pathologists are also involved in ensuring patients can perform essential communication tasks prior to discharge (e.g. reading medication labels, calling 911, etc.) and preparing patients for successful reintegration into the community, by providing rehabilitation and arranging appropriate community services.
Speech-language pathologists at Providence evaluate and treat communication and swallowing disorders such as:
- Dysarthria
- Aphasia
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia
- Voice disorders
- Cognitive-language difficulties
- Hearing impairments
- Fluency disorders
Areas of Work
Our speech-language pathologists are part of interdisciplinary teams, working closely with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, physicians and nurses in acute care, rehabilitation and residential care. Speech-language pathologists are involved in many programs including: elder care, rehabilitation, cardiac, medicine and HIV/AIDS. Providence offers flexible schedules, mentorships, specializations, and continuing education/research opportunities.
Research
Speech-language pathologists at Providence have presented at provincial, national and international conferences and are involved in innovative clinical research. They work closely with the University of British Columbia School of Audiology and Speech Sciences and offer clinical externships for master’s students.
Education
Speech-language pathologists at Providence have a master’s degree and are registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC. Many of our speech language pathologists hold advanced competencies through the College which allow them to provide specialized services.
Contact
St. Paul’s Hospital 604-806-8492
Mount Saint Joseph Hospital 604-874-1141, ext 78435
Holy Family Hospital Rehabilitation 604-322-2622 (inpatients), 604-322-2653 (outpatients)
Residential Care at St. Vincent’s: Langara; St. Vincent’s: Brock Fahrni; Holy Family Hospital; and Youville Residence 604-322-2621