Speech Pathology Week: Learning with Greer at Mildmay

Marion, Greer and student on placement, Arun

This week (25–31 August) marks Speech Pathology Week 2025, a campaign led by Speech Pathology Australia to raise awareness of communication and swallowing disorders.

Although the initiative is based in Australia, our Speech & Language Therapist (SLT), Greer Kearney, who hails from Down Under, took the opportunity to raise awareness amongst colleagues, staff, visitors and the wider public. It’s a great opportunity to shine a light on the vital role of SLT in our hospital.

Greer kicked off the week with a presentation after our weekly multidisciplinary team meeting, focusing on cognitive communication impairment, a condition particularly relevant to some of our patients living with HIV.

On Wednesday, Greer hosted a hands-on dysphagia and oral care learning station in the conservatory, supported by Arun, a 17-year-old student on placement with us. Arun has shown real dedication and enthusiasm throughout his time here, taking a keen interest in all aspects of the hospital.

Together, they guided colleagues through sampling different drink textures using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative framework—a global system for classifying food and drink textures for those with swallowing difficulties. They also shared best practices in oral hygiene and fielded questions about swallowing challenges.

Speech pathology encompasses a wide range of expertise—covering speech, language, swallowing, voice, stammering, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). AAC includes tools and technologies, such as picture boards and speech-generating devices, that support people who have difficulty speaking. The work of SLTs is fundamental to restoring dignity, confidence, and independence to those we support.

This week, we celebrate Greer, Arun and all of our fantastic multidisciplinary team that bring essential knowledge and compassion to patient care.