In this episode of Stewarts Soundbites, Emma Lyons speaks to Judith Scholefield about the importance of speech and language therapy provision and social communication after serious injury.

Judith explored how to identify when a speech and language therapist is required as part of a multidisciplinary team and the point at which it is appropriate to introduce them to the rehabilitation process. Judith discussed the difficulties experienced by those who suffer from social communication disorders and how a speech and language therapist addresses those problems.

Judith explored how understanding in people affected by severe traumatic brain injury is assessed. She also analysed whether there is room for speech and language therapy for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness and non-brain injury cases.

See the recording below:

About the speaker – Judith Scholefield

Judith has over 30 years’ experience of working with adult clients with acquired neurological disorders. She has a specific interest in adult acquired brain injury. Judith started the company over 10 years ago, and now heads the team. Judith works with children and adults who have complex physical disabilities as a result of medical negligence.

She is a Consultant Dysphagia Practitioner having extensive experience of assessing, treating and managing dysphagia problems in adults with acquired neurological disorders. She runs a regular Videofluoroscopy Clinic at the Spire Hospital in Leeds. Judith carries out treatment, and produces treating therapist reports and expert witness reports, required as part of a personal injury claim. In addition, she produces reports for Coroners and the Crown Prosecution Service for the Criminal Courts.

She is a Medico Legal Advisor to The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. She has been involved with the local Headway Group for over 20 years and was Chairperson for over 7 years.