Specialist adult dysphagia assessment and therapy in Hampshire
Dysphagia - difficulty swallowing - can affect eating, drinking, and quality of life. I provide thorough clinical assessment and practical, evidence-based therapy for adults across Hampshire, with no GP referral required.
Why early assessment is important
Dysphagia is not simply an inconvenience. Unmanaged swallowing difficulties carry real risks: aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway) can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which is a leading cause of death in people with neurological conditions. Reduced oral intake can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and significant deterioration in quality of life.
NHS waiting times for SLT dysphagia services vary considerably. In many areas, adults with non-urgent swallowing difficulties can wait weeks or months for an initial assessment. Private assessment allows you to be seen promptly - often within days - while NHS input is pending, or as an alternative where NHS services are not accessible.
Early, accurate assessment means clearer answers, a concrete management plan, and - where therapy is indicated - the best chance of improvement.
Could this be you?
Swallowing difficulties often develop gradually and go unreported for longer than they should. Common signs include:
- Coughing or choking during or after eating or drinking
- A sensation of food or liquid sticking in the throat or chest
- A wet or gurgly voice quality after meals
- Needing to swallow multiple times to clear food
- Avoiding certain foods or textures
- Taking much longer than usual to finish a meal
- Unexplained weight loss or recurrent chest infections
- Drooling or difficulty managing saliva
Causes & conditions
Dysphagia is always caused by something else. I work with adults whose swallowing difficulties arise from:
Stroke
Swallowing difficulties are common after stroke and often respond well to early specialist therapy
Parkinson's disease
Progressive changes to muscle control can affect all stages of swallowing
Multiple sclerosis
Dysphagia can occur at any stage of MS and varies with relapse and progression
Head & neck cancer
Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy can all significantly affect swallowing function
Motor neurone disease
Specialist assessment and management to maintain safe eating and drinking for as long as possible
Age-related changes
Swallowing function naturally changes with age - assessment can identify what is safe and what strategies help
Dementia
Swallowing difficulties are common in the middle and later stages of dementia - assessment supports safe mealtimes and guides carers
Post-COVID swallowing difficulties
Dysphagia can persist after COVID-19, including in those who were not hospitalised - assessment and therapy can support recovery
The assessment process
Pre-assessment questionnaire
I'll ask about your medical history, when difficulties started, and what symptoms you've noticed - so we can use appointment time efficiently.
Clinical interview
We talk through your experience in your own words - what mealtimes look like, what worries you most, and what your goals are.
Oral motor examination
A non-invasive assessment of the strength, coordination, and movement of the muscles involved in eating and swallowing.
Observation of eating & drinking
I observe you managing a range of food and drink textures, watching for signs of difficulty at any stage of the swallow.
Written report & recommendations
A detailed report for you, your GP, or other healthcare professionals - with a clear management plan - usually within 7 working days.
What happens after the assessment?
Written report
You'll receive a full report within 7 working days, covering findings, clinical impression, and a clear management plan you can share with your GP or other healthcare team members.
Practical strategies and advice
Where appropriate, I'll provide immediate strategies - positioning, food and drink modifications, swallowing techniques - that can make mealtimes safer and more comfortable straight away.
Onward referral if needed
If the assessment indicates a need for instrumental investigation - such as a videofluoroscopy (X-ray swallow study) or FEES (endoscopic assessment) - I'll discuss this with you and support onward referral.
Follow-up and therapy
If further sessions are indicated, we agree a plan together. Some people benefit from a short course of targeted therapy; others need periodic review as their condition changes.
Transparent pricing
All appointments are offered on a private basis. There are no hidden fees - the full cost is always confirmed before your appointment.
Adult Dysphagia Assessment
60-90 minutes - written report included
£185
Follow-up Appointment
30 minutes
£80
Brief Phone Review
Up to 20 minutes
£30
A free 15-minute discovery call is available before booking. View full pricing details, including travel charges for home visits.
FAQs
Do I need a GP referral?
No - you can self-refer directly without needing to go through your GP first. If you're unsure whether an assessment is right for you, a free 15-minute discovery call is a good first step.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes - assessments take place in your home across Hampshire, which also allows me to observe your normal mealtime environment. Video appointments are available for some aspects of assessment and for follow-up sessions.
What if I need further investigation?
If I think an instrumental assessment is warranted, I'll discuss this with you and facilitate an appropriate onward referral.
What is a videofluoroscopy?
A videofluoroscopy - sometimes called a modified barium swallow - is a moving X-ray study of the swallow. You eat and drink foods and liquids mixed with barium contrast while the images are recorded. It allows the clinician to see exactly what is happening at each stage of the swallow and is the gold standard investigation for dysphagia. It is carried out in a hospital radiology department; I can support referral if one is indicated following your clinical assessment.
Will I need to change what I eat or drink?
Not necessarily - and not without a clear clinical reason. If the assessment identifies that certain textures or consistencies are unsafe, I'll discuss any recommended modifications with you and ensure you understand the evidence behind them. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework is used to describe texture levels consistently. Where possible, I'll always look for the least restrictive safe option.
Can family members be present at the assessment?
Yes, and in many cases it is helpful for a family member or carer to be there. They often have important observations to contribute about what mealtimes look like day to day, and it is valuable for them to hear the recommendations directly. Please just let me know in advance if someone will be joining us.
Can you support someone with dementia?
Yes. Dysphagia is common in people living with dementia. I'm experienced in adapting assessments and recommendations to the individual's cognitive level and will always involve family members or carers as appropriate.
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Ready to get support?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to talk through your situation - no referral needed.
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