We work with adults and their families/carers to help with speech and swallowing difficulties. 

You can refer yourself or a family member direct to our service for support with communication difficulties. However, referrals related to swallowing (dysphagia), must come from a registered healthcare professional or GP. We will arrange sessions to suit you, either by virtual appointment, phone call or face to face at home.

We do not offer treatment for people with voice disorders – this is provided by speech and language therapy services at University Hospitals Dorset and Dorset County Hospital. You can be referred to these teams by your GP if you have had a recent ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination.  We are also unable to support people undergoing gender reassignment – please speak to your gender clinic. 

We hope the information on the pages below will help you to understand and manage your difficulties.

Contact details

Email: dhc.adultcommunitySLT@nhs.net 

Telephone: 01202 307766

Our core service hours are Monday–Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm. A therapist is available for clinical enquiries every day 2-4pm.

For adults with learning disabilities, contact: dhc.saltld@nhs.net.

Key information about this service

Many of our patients do not need regular follow-up appointments with our clinicians. Instead, some patients are offered 'patient initiated follow-up' (PIFU) appointments. This means you can arrange a follow-up appointment as and when you need it.

Your referral will be left open with the service for six months after your last appointment date, after this time you may need a new referral from your GP or health care professional to access the service.

The clinician responsible for your care will tell you what symptoms or complications after treatment to look out for, that would mean you should make an appointment. They will also provide you with the information you need on how to contact the service.

Explore the service