Speech-language therapy — Bay of Plenty

To contact the speech-language therapy service:

• call (Tauranga): 07 579 8785
• call (Whakatāne): 07 306 0718
• email: SLT.Referrals@bopdhb.govt.nz

The speech-language therapy service is at:

Tauranga Hospital

829 Cameron Road
Tauranga South
Tauranga
Bay of Plenty

Whakatāne Hospital

Whakatāne Hospital
Stewart Street
Whakatāne

We provide speech-language assessment and treatment services for:

• speech
• language
• swallowing problems.

This may include:

• assessment of your communication and swallowing difficulties
• rehabilitation
• advice on helpful strategies, including alternative and assistive technology
• education.

Children (up to 2 years)

We provide services to children who

• require inpatient or outpatient services for feeding and swallowing difficulties
• have feeding or speech difficulties due to a cleft lip, cleft palate or other problems with the mouth or throat
• are under 2 years of age and have communication difficulties
• babies and children with feeding or swallowing difficulties
• meet the criteria for the child development service. 

Adults

We help adults with communication or swallowing difficulties due to conditions such as:

• stroke
• progressive neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, and multiple sclerosis
• cancer
• surgery to the head and neck
• voice difficulties. 

Your healthcare provider can refer you to our speech-language therapy service. You can also self-refer.

Children over 2 years with speech and language delays should put a service request through the Ministry of Education.