Community Based Speech Pathology Services

Working with families and communities to deliver quality Speech Pathology care for children

About Community Based Speech Pathology Services:

Community Based Speech Pathology sees children from birth to school age, with normal cognitive function or mild intellectual impairment, who:

Have difficulty understanding what is said
Have difficulty talking (using words and sentences)
Are not using the correct sounds
Are stuttering
Have voice disorders
Have swallowing difficulties (eating and drinking)

There is no charge for this service.

The service has several aims:

To assess, diagnose and treat children referred to the service.
To provide appropriate services to children.
To educate families, parents and carers.
To contribute to student clinical education.
To disseminate clinical information to professionals in the Greater Newcastle area.
To work in close conjunction with other services to establish and maintain a holistic approach to care.

What services are provided?

A Speech Pathologist will discuss the difficulties your child is having and will ask you about any relevant medical history and about your child’s development (eg, at what age your child walked and talked). Your child’s communication may then be assessed through observation and formal testing. The Speech Pathologist will discuss the assessment results with you and if required, make a therapy plan with you. This therapy plan may include:

Ideas and activities to do at home
Clinic appointments
Therapy groups
Consultation with teachers
Home and/or School programs
Referral to other Specialist Services

Community Based Speech Pathology services are affiliated with The University of Newcastle. As part of your child’s treatment, they may be seen by a Speech Pathology student supervised by a Senior Speech Pathologist.

Do I need a referral and how do I make an appointment?

Parent referral is recommended, however, any other agency/health professional can refer a child to the service. Referrals can be made by phoning the Referral and Information Centre on (02) 4925 7990.

Once a referral is received it will be directed to the appropriate Speech Pathology community health centre. There are waiting lists for Speech Pathology services which vary between sites. An estimated waiting time will be advised when a referral is made. Please contact the Referral and Information Centre for updates on waiting times. A Speech Pathologist will contact the family as soon as an appointment time is available.

Links to fact sheets:

Links to information:

Speech Pathology Services in Greater Newcastle Sector (pdf 146K)
Speech Pathology Services Illness Policy (pdf 156K)

Locations and contact details:

Belmont District Hospital
Croudace Bay Rd, Belmont
Ph: 49232295
Fax: 49232166

Eastlakes Community Health Centre
Cnr South & Cherry Sts, Windale
Ph: 49445300
Fax: 49445310

Nelson Bay Community Health Centre
Kerrigan St, Nelson Bay
Ph: 49840730
Fax: 49840744

Eastern Newcastle Speech Pathology
621 Hunter St, Newcastle West
Ph: 49257800
Fax: 49257955

Raymond Terrace Community Health
59 Port Stephens Rd, Raymond Terrace
Ph: 49872078
Fax: 49871660

Westlakes Community Health
6 James St, Toronto
Ph: 49358100
Fax: 49358163

Western Newcastle Community Health
Nash St, Wallsend
Ph: 49246100
Fax: 49246101