The Speech Pathology programs based at OPH accept referrals based on program-specific intake criteria.

Clinical Services

OPH Speech Pathology provides services to people with speech, language and/or swallowing difficulties who meet the eligibility criteria of the required program. Two of the main criteria are: the person/child lives in the specified catchment and, the person/child is not eligible for another government funded speech pathology service.

There are four outpatient Speech Pathology programs available:

• Child Developmental Services (Speech Pathology)
• Adult stuttering disorders
• Adult acquired disorders
• Videofluoroscopy Clinic

Note: An inpatient service is also available to OPH inpatients.

Child Development Services (paediatric Speech Pathology)

The Metropolitan Child Development Service accepts new referrals for children aged 0-16 years with developmental difficulties who are not eligible for another government funded service. The paediatric speech pathology service at OPH operates as part of West Perth/State Child Development Centre.
Signed parental consent is required prior to referrals being accepted. Referrals can be initiated by health professionals including GP’s, Child/School Health Nurses, Teachers, Allied Health practitioners and Day Care staff. Referrals should be sent to “Intake Coordinator, State Child Development Centre, PO Box 510, WEST PERTH 6872. Parents can also self-refer by contacting State Child Development Centre on (08) 9426 9444.

Adult Voice and Stuttering

• All of NMHS region
• ENT assessment required prior to voice assessment

Acquired communication/swallowing disorders

• All of NMHS region, or eligible for OPH Day Hospital, Parkinson's Disease or Memory Clinics

Note: OPH does not provide services to people post laryngectomy.

Videofluorsocopy Clinic

• All of NMHS region, or eligible for OPH Day Hospital, Parkinson's Disease or Memory Clinics.
• Referrals accepted from Medical Practitioners and must include radiology request.

Referrals for the three programs: Adult stuttering disorders, Adult acquired disorders and Videofluoroscopy Clinic need to be directed to:

Senior Speech Pathologist
Rehabilitation & Aged Care
Osborne Park Hospital
STIRLING WA 6021.

Telephone: (08) 9346 8225
Fax: (08) 9346 8232

Clinical Education

The Service provides clinical education for undergraduate and post-graduate students who are completing a Human Communication Science degree (or approved equivalent).