Our service is run by a dietitian and is part of the Nutrition Service.
Our service is run by our specialist speech and language therapist who is the clinical lead for eating and drinking difficulties at Chailey Clinical Services.
We provide support and advice for the treatment and management of eating and drinking difficulties experienced by children and young adults under the age of 19.
Where relevant, we observe you eating and drinking in your normal way and provide recommendations for techniques or management strategies to help with any issues you’re experiencing.
Where further investigations such as a dynamic x-ray of swallowing (video fluoroscopy) are required, we will make the necessary arrangements with the regional hospital most convenient you and we will attend the appointment with you and discuss the results with you and your paediatrician.
Any changes to your eating and drinking management will be overseen by our specialist speech and language therapist, in consultation with you
Your appointment will be arranged at a venue and time to suit you, to enable us to observe your usual mealtime patterns. This can be at your home or school, or alternatively an appointment can be made at Chailey Clinical Services.
Appointment times vary but usually take between 60 and 90 minutes. We may need to arrange follow-up appointments, depending on the nature of your eating and drinking difficulties.
During your appointment you’ll have the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have. Following your appointment, a letter will be sent to your referrer, GP, and any other relevant healthcare professional. We will liaise with your local speech and language therapy service throughout the process.
During your appointment, you will see our specialist speech and language therapist.
We accept referrals from your speech and language therapist, GP, or paediatrician. Our service is available to children and young adults under the age of 19.
We accept referrals from any area but if your GP is located outside of Sussex we will require funding to be obtained before acceptance.
You can also get involved by engaging with our service's social media accounts by helping with the latest fundraisers and events.
If you need advice about our services, facilities or staff, or would like to make a comment, please contact Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS).
You can contact PALS by the following:
Tell us what you think about our services, what we are good at, where we can improve, and what matters to you? All feedback will be shared anonymously wherever possible, but if you have any questions about this, please ask.
