Outpatient Services
At The Ottawa Hospital, Speech-Language Pathology services are provided
to both inpatients and outpatients in English and French.
- All patients must possess a valid provincial health card.
- Referrals from a physician or an external speech-language pathologist
are required.
- Services of an interpreter are arranged as required.
Services
Augmentative / Alternative Communication
An approach designed to supplement the communication of individuals
who cannot communicate vocally. These may involve basic
or more advanced communication systems/devices such as the voice output communication device offered
through the Technology
Assessment Service at The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre.
Head and Neck Cancer
The treatment of cancer of the head and neck (such as removal
of the larynx or removal of cancers of the mouth), may affect speech,
chewing, swallowing or voice. A speech-language pathologist provides help
in adjusting to changes due to cancer. This may involve provision of an
alternate voice technique for the laryngectomee, help in achieving clearer
speech after removal of portion of the tongue or help in swallowing more
safely after surgery.
Speech and Language Therapy
Patients who may have had a stroke, head injury or have other neurological conditions may be referred to
The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre by their family doctor. Patients are assessed by a physiatrist, (specialist in rehabilitation medicine)
and referred for therapy. The speech-language pathologist assesses and determines therapy goals and intensity of treatment
with the patient.
Swallowing Disorders
Swallowing disorders may affect a person's ability to swallow safely as well as receive adequate nutrition.
A speech-language pathologist will conduct an initial evaluation, after which
further assessment (videofluoroscopy, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEEES) may be done.
Consultation with other health care professionals, such as clinical dietitians, gastroenterologists,
oto-rhino-laryngologists and neurologists may also take place.
The Stuttering Treatment Clinic
The Stuttering Treatment Clinic, located at The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, is one of three major centres in Canada that specialize in the assessment and treatment of adults who stutter.
Voice Disorders
Voice problems may be due to the way an individual uses their voice or to physical changes in the voice box (larynx).
The speech- language pathologist will assess your voice and work with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor to improve
your voice by teaching you how the voice works and the best way to keep it healthy.
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