Description of Service
The Swallowing Clinic provides in-depth assessment and treatment of oropharyngeal swallowing disorders. Our clinic is run by a team of CASLPO Registered Speech-Language Pathologists.
Some swallowing disorders can be treated with rehabilitation. If appropriate, a rehabilitation program can be arranged with a Speech-Language Pathologist. Therapy may be virtual (online, using a webcam) or in person, inside the Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation Services department at Trillium Health Partners- Queensway site.
Specific Services Offered
The Swallowing Assessment Includes:
- A thorough review of the patient's medical history
- Oral motor examination
- Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) using barium contrast of various textures (if appropriate)
- Detailed review of results and recommendations
- Individualized rehabilitation plan, if appropriate
*appointments typically last one hour
Preparation for Visit
You do not have to fast for this test. There will be eating and drinking as part of the procedure. Please bring your health card and a
list of medications as well as the names of any specialists who are involved in your care that we should include when we send out the final report.
Please note that completing this test requires three different professionals, as well as the specialized room to be available. If you arrive late for the test, we may not be able to accommodate you and your test may need to be rebooked. There is often a delay in finding parking. We encourage you to arrive early and allow for extra time on the day of your appointment.
Care Team
Speech Language Pathologist (primary); Radiation technologist (secondary), and radiologist (on-call as needed)
Education & Additional Information
Patients May Be Eligible for the Outpatient Swallowing Clinic If They:
- Are an adult, 18 years and over
- Are a resident of Mississauga or live in postal code regions M8WZ or M9ABC
- Live outside the catchment area but are an adult being referred by a physician with privileges at Trillium Health Partners
Note: This is not a clinic that can help support individuals with feeding challenges (e.g., functional swallowing disorders in which there is no physiological impairment, picky eating, sensory or texture aversions, etc.).
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location
Mississauga Hospital
100 Queensway W
Mississauga, ON L5B 1B8
(VFSS location - subject to change)
Queensway Health Centre
150 Sherway Dr
Etobicoke, ON M9C 1A5
(Therapy location)
Contact Information
Phone: 416-521-4141
Referral Process
How to Refer:
Physicians please complete and sign the Outpatient Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study referral form or complete the Epic Ambulatory Referral to Swallowing Clinic – SLP Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (Outpatient Exam)
Fax paper referral forms to: 416-521-4117. Please include relevant clinical information and test results (e.g. imaging results, consult notes)
Scheduling: Incoming referrals are triaged for urgency. Urgent cases can usually be scheduled within 2-3 weeks. Patients will be contacted directly by clinic staff with their appointment time.
