23 July ’99  Speech-Language Department launches Quality Service Charter

Ms Norma Camilleri, speech-language pathologist at the Speech-Language Department, conducts a session with two young clients of the department.

In 1997, the number of clients registered within the speech language units in government hospitals and health centres was of 2220 and this year, the figure has already topped the 4000. This figure excludes clients receiving treatment in special schools. In Malta, there are 25 speech language pathologists working within government health centres and this year, another 16 are expected to graduate from University.

Through its Quality Service Charter the Speech Language Department is committing itself to help clients with communication disorders, identify their communication difficulties and through the design of specific programmes of intervention, tries to maximise their communication skills. The service offers guidance, diagnostic assessments, support and information for both clients and their carers. Therapy is offered either on an individual or group basis as well as in a direct or indirect manner through carers. However, treatment varies according to the nature of the disorder, the client, the group and the work setting.

Cases tackled by the Speech Language Department are addressed to both children and adults and these include communication problems associated with hearing and sensory impairments, learning disabilities, autism and neurological conditions such as head injuries or strokes, problems in articulation, phonology, grammar and fluency problems such as stammering. Other common cases include reading and writing problems secondary to specific learning difficulties, speech and language delay, voice disorders including dysphonia and laryngectomy and feeding problems.  

In its Quality Service Charter the Department is committing itself to schedule appointments for new cases within 15 working days and on the day of the appointment clients will be seen within 10 minutes of their appointment time. Individuals may be referred to a speech-language unit by various professionals or carers. Carers include teachers, doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and parents. However, one may also get in touch with a unit directly by visiting any government hospital, health centre or clinic for an appointment. For further information, one may contact the Department at the Floriana Health Centre on 243314 or 244315 or any other Health Centre.