Speech language pathology services just a call away

LETHBRIDGE – Southern Albertans who are having trouble communicating, or who have difficulty with eating and swallowing, are reminded they can book an appointment with an Alberta Health Services (AHS) registered speech language pathologist (SLP).

Individuals can self-refer and there is no charge for Albertans with an Alberta healthcare card.

Communication difficulties might include speaking, understanding and using language, voice quality and fluency. These problems might be present from birth, might have developed over time or could be a result from an illness or trauma.

Speech and language services provide people of all ages and their families with the support they need so they can participate in activities that are important to them.

SLPs help people:

• Speak clearly and smoothly.
• Understand spoken or written words and sentences.
• Find the right words or speak in full sentences.
• Organize their thoughts to communicate.
• Gain and maintain a healthy voice for communicating.
• Learn to eat regular foods and/or swallow safely.

Services are offered in-person at a clinic, community site or in the client’s home as well as virtually over Zoom.

SLP services are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. To book an appointment, please call:

• Medicine Hat and area residents booking children or adult SLP services: 403-528-8175
• Lethbridge and area residents booking adult SLP services: 403-388-6182
• Lethbridge and area parents and guardians booking for children: 403-388-6575

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.