The Motor Neurone Disease Clinic
The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Clinic at Cork University Hospital is a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic for people with MND. Patients who are offered follow up through this clinic have a diagnosis of MND. The clinic is designed to address ongoing needs associated with this condition. The clinic offers specialist and co-ordinated care to help patients work out their needs and includes referral to the appropriate team/service who can help. This involves close communication with our community colleagues. The outpatient clinic is held on the second Tuesday of every month and the following disciplines are available:
- Neurology Consultant
- Respiratory Consultant
- Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)
- IMNDA Clinical Nurse Specialist
The Role of SLT
Communication:
SLTs support all aspects of communication and the changes that may occur with a condition such as MND. This may include transition to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Our recommendations may also include voice or message banking, use of writing, signing, pictures, communication boards as well as some high-tech AAC options such as tablets (e.g. iPad) or eye gaze systems.
Swallowing:
SLTs are specialists in identifying and managing Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Difficulties (FEDS). We aim to help minimise the physical and emotional effects of dysphagia, working closely with you and our Dietetic colleagues to promote quality of life and safety whilst eating and drinking.
In certain circumstances, tube-feeding may be recommended to some of our patients. However, this is a multidisciplinary team decision whereby your preferences and choices remain at the centre of any decisions.