What this program does…

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 (SJHH) 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 patients (and caregivers, family members and friends) to help promote the best possible communication and swallowing status and function. 

Your Care Team

Our Speech Language Pathology team is made up of Registered Speech Language Pathologists who are members of the College of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and administrative support staff.

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 with privileges at SJHH is required. Referral forms can be obtained by calling 905-521-6101.

Preparing for Your Visit

Please bring your valid health card, 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, room D019 of the Bishop Dowling Wing at the Charlton Campus of SJHH. 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 to locate the Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Room D019.

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 Speech-Language Pathology, Room D019.

Please click here for a map of our Charlton Campus.

Registration Procedures

For the Outpatient Swallowing clinic, you will be contacted by telephone once your appointments are ready to be scheduled. 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. The week before your 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.
• Your Speech Language Pathologist will make additional appointments for you as needed.
• Information regarding your assessment will be shared with the referring physician and others, at your request.