Welcoming Cardiac Speech and Language Therapist Jess

Thanks to a generous donation from our corporate partner Caddick Group, The Hospital Saturday Fund and additional funds from our wonderful supporters, CHSF has been able to fund a dedicated Cardiac Speech and Language Therapist – Jess Symonds – who has just started in her role….

Clinical Speech and Language Therapy Manager, Victoria Watson, told us:

“Jess is going to make an incredible difference to the lives of babies and children born with heart problems across our region.

“Speech And Language Therapy (SALT) has the power to transform feeding, swallowing and communication outcomes and improve a child’s quality of life.

Because of you, Jess is now a dedicated Speech & Language Therapist for cardiac patients at Leeds.

“Babies and children with congenital heart disease across Yorkshire have always been supported by a wonderful community Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) team.

“Now, having a dedicated cardiology SLT, Jess will help provide regular inpatient input on the unit and attend the high-risk feeding clinic.

“She will also help provide continuity of care, assisting in bridging the gap between acute and community services.

“Jess will be a link with community SALTs who will take over the cardiac children’s care when they leave the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.

“It will be fantastic to have SALT as part of the well-established cardiac team who provide high levels of care to so many children and families.”

A huge thank you to everyone involved for making the Cardiac Speech and Language Therapist role happen. Including Caddick Group and The Hospital Saturday Fund. We will share stories of the difference Jess is making with you all in the coming days.