Naomi McLellan
|
Advanced Clinician Speech-Language Therapist, Health NZ, Auckland, NZ
Naomi McLellan is based at Auckland City Hospital as the Advanced Clinician for Speech-Language Therapy within the ORL service. She has been in this role since 2019. Her current clinical role includes providing pre- and post-operative services for patients with head and neck cancer, as well as outpatient voice, dysphagia, and upper airway services. Her role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team, including Laryngologists, Head & Neck surgeons, nurses, and other allied health professionals.
Naomi has 15 years of clinical experience. She has worked across clinical areas at Auckland Hospital, including intensive care, acute services and inpatient rehabilitation. Naomi worked in private practice with adults and children before working at Auckland Hospital. |
|
Laryngectomy and Tracheostomy Management at Auckland City Hospital - The SLT Role
This presentation will provide an overview of laryngectomy and tracheostomy management at Auckland Hospital, highlighting the integral role of the Speech-Language Therapist (SLT) within the multidisciplinary team. Attendees will gain insight into the SLT’s involvement across the continuum of care, from pre-operative assessment and education, through to acute inpatient management, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up.
The session will explore communication and swallowing considerations following total laryngectomy, including methods of voice restoration, patient education, and functional outcomes. Tracheostomy management will be discussed, including communication support, swallowing assessment, cuff management considerations, and facilitating progression towards decannulation where appropriate.
Using clinical examples and practical insights from a tertiary hospital setting, this presentation will demonstrate how SLTs contribute to safe, patient-centred care and collaborate with surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to optimise outcomes for individuals with altered airway anatomy.
The session will explore communication and swallowing considerations following total laryngectomy, including methods of voice restoration, patient education, and functional outcomes. Tracheostomy management will be discussed, including communication support, swallowing assessment, cuff management considerations, and facilitating progression towards decannulation where appropriate.
Using clinical examples and practical insights from a tertiary hospital setting, this presentation will demonstrate how SLTs contribute to safe, patient-centred care and collaborate with surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to optimise outcomes for individuals with altered airway anatomy.
