COVID-19 Update

Please plan to attend your appointment, procedure or surgery as scheduled unless you are otherwise notified. During the pandemic, the hospital may be required to prioritize emergency and urgent cases, which may result in a change to your appointment. If this is the case, you will be contacted by a member of your care team. As always, our goal is to continue serving our community by providing quality hospital services for as long as it is safe and appropriate to do so during the pandemic.

Click here for more information about  our hospital during the pandemic.

Click here for more information about visiting the hospital during the pandemic.

What this program does…

Pediatric Services

For children (Birth to school entry), we offer:

• Assessment and treatment of speech, language, early literacy, fluency, voice and resonance
• Parent training programs including Hanen© Parent Programs
• Partnerships with community agencies; we are a partner agency within Early Words, Preschool Speech and Language Services, Infant Hearing Program and Blind Low Vision
• Consultation/referral to other developmental services including Developmental Pediatricians, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Selective-Mutism, Voice and Resonance
• Transition planning for children entering the school system (Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board
• Community- based services including Early Words Community Support Team 

Adult Services

For adults (18 years of age and older), we offer:

• Assessment and treatment of swallowing difficulties
• Specialized services for patients with head and neck cancer, in collaboration with Head and Neck Surgeons
• Participation in various specialized clinics within St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton including Outpatient Swallowing Clinic and the Internal Medicine Rapid Assessment Clinic
• Facilitation of support groups for patients with oral and/or laryngeal cancer
• Consultation with and referral to other professionals and community agencies

How this program helps...

Difficulties with communication and swallowing can impact all areas of daily life.  Our team of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) works with children, adults (and caregivers, family members and friends) to help promote the best possible communication and swallowing status and function. 

Your Care Team

Linda Hollingham, Acting Manager, Speech Language Pathology
Bonnie Reaburn-Jones, Senior Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Interim Professional Practice Leader

Adult Services Team:

• Heather Connors (SLP)
• Becky Hedges (SLP)
• Anthony Wood (SLP)

Pediatric Services Team:

• Alisha Ball (SLP)
• Debbie Clinton (SLP)
• Noreen Doiron (SLP)
• Chantal Pelletier (SLP)
• Nicole Vuksan (SLP)

Administrative Support Staff:

• Debbie McCloskey

Contact

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton – Charlton Campus
Department of Speech Pathology
50 Charlton Ave. E.
Hamilton, On L8N 4A6
Bishop Dowling Wing Level 0
Phone: 905-521-6101
Fax: 905-521-6159

Referral Process

For the Outpatient Swallowing Clinic, a referral from a Physician or Registered Nurse (Extended Class) is required. Referral forms can be obtained by calling 905-521-6101.

All pediatric speech-language pathology referrals are processed by Early Words Pediatric referrals are initiated by parent/caregiver and do not require a referral from a physician. Parents can call Early Words at 905-381-2828.

Preparing for Your Visit

Please bring:

• Pediatric and Adult Services - your or your child’s valid health card
• Adult Services –a list of your current medications and information about your medical history (including food allergies)

We ask that you do not bring any valuables with you as the hospital cannot be responsible for lost or stolen personal items. 

Maps & Directions

The Department of Speech-Language Pathology is located on Level 0 of the Bishop Dowling Wing at the Charlton Campus of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Please see directions as follows:

Martha Wing Entrance from Charlton
Enter at the Martha Wing entrance on Charlton Avenue. Proceed to the end of the corridor. Turn to your left and proceed down the corridor to the Department of Audiology, Room D03.

Directions from the Fontbonne Visitor/Patient Parking Ramp*
Exit the Fontbonne Visitor/Patient Parking Ramp and enter into the Fontbonne Building. You will be on the 1st floor, proceed straight ahead and follow the corridor to the overhead walkway, which crosses over St. Joseph’s Drive to the main Hospital. When you reach the end of the overhead walkway, you will be on the 3rd floor of the Bishop Dowling Wing. Take the elevators at the end of this walkway to Level 0. When you get off the elevators, turn to your left and proceed down the corridor to the Department of Audiology, Room D03.

Please click here for a map of our Charlton Campus.

*Please note that patient and visitor parking at St. Joe’s Charlton Campus will be temporarily relocated to the parking garage on St. Joseph’s Drive (Ramp 1) starting March 1, 2023 while repairs are completed on the parking garage off James Street South. Please click here for more information.

Registration Procedures

For child services, you will receive a telephone call to schedule your child’s first appointment.  The telephone call will outline the details about the time and location of the appointment.  One day prior to the appointment, you will receive a reminder call.  When you arrive, please check in with reception.

For outpatient swallowing clinic, you will be contacted by telephone once referral is received.  Appointments will be scheduled at the time of initial contact.  An appointment confirmation letter will be sent to you with a copy forwarded to your referring physician.  One day prior to the appointment, you will receive a reminder call.  When you arrive, please check in with reception.

After Your Visit

• You will be given information about the results of any assessments that were done.
• We will discuss a plan of care/service for you or your child.
• Your Speech Language Pathologist will make additional appointments for you or your child as needed.
• Information regarding your assessment will be shared with the referring physician and others, at your request.