Federation University launches student-led speech pathology clinic to address shortage
Left to right: Rachael Day, Isha Neupane, Brigitte Alexander, Sophie Semerdjian, Prof Chyrisse Heine, Ashling Barry, Vanessa Pope, Lynleigh Berry, Nicole Dalton, and Christine Hicks.
A new student-led speech pathology clinic has been officially launched this week at Federation University’s Berwick campus, bridging the gap for accessible services for the local community.
The Federation Speech Pathology Clinic has been established in response to growing need for speech pathology services in the community. The wait time for public health services can be six to eight months or more for interventions. In some areas, services have ceased altogether, particularly in chronic health, paediatric screening, and aged care.
The Speech Pathology Workforce Analysis report (2023) highlights that speech pathology services in Australia are not meeting demand, resulting in delayed or inaccessible care for many patients, which can lead to problems snowballing.
Federation University plans to open additional student-led clinics at other campuses following the establishment of the Berwick clinic.
Federation’s Bachelor of Speech Pathology and Master of Speech Pathology courses have seen significant growth with a cohort of over 150 new students this year bringing the total enrolment to nearly 300 students across Federation’s Berwick, Mt Helen and Gippsland campuses and online. These students will gain hands-on experience while providing essential services to the community with sessions supervised by qualified Speech Pathologists and Federation staff.
Master of Speech Pathology graduate, Bridget Millar, is one of the many Federation students from regional Victoria helping to build a sustainable regional health workforce. Originally from Echuca, Bridget studied at Federation University in Ballarat and has secured a job as a speech pathologist in Wollongong.
“Having grown up in a regional community and requiring intensive speech pathology intervention myself, I understood the barriers to access, but also the impact services can have on individuals and their families.
“Studying at Federation with a small cohort fostered a close relationship with both my peers and staff who were dedicated, passionate and supportive throughout my studies and beyond. Placements deepened my understanding of speech pathology and its real-world applications, preparing me for a successful career.
“I am excited to be working in a regional area and committed to expanding my skills and knowledge and giving back to the profession that has given me so much.”
The clinic will offer a range of low-cost essential services, including paediatric screenings at pre-schools and primary schools, assessment and treatment for young people aged 4 to 16 years addressing issues such as pronunciation or articulation/phonology, early literacy skills, and language skills.
There will also be group communication skills sessions for adults with aphasia or Traumatic Brain Injury, and onsite services at schools and kindergartens.
Federation University has partnered with public and private health services in Southeast Melbourne and the wider Gippsland area to form an advisory group to assess local speech pathology needs, ensure the clinic provides necessary services, and develop best practice referral pathways and relationships with interested clinicians to support their health service and caseloads.
The Federation Speech Pathology Clinic which has been running since November 2024 has already offered over 100 in-person and telehealth appointments with numerous Federation students completing placement experience at the clinic and more to soon begin.
Quote attributable to Federation University Head of Discipline, Speech Pathology, Institute of Health and Wellbeing Professor Chyrisse Heine OAM
“We are delighted to be launching the Federation Speech Pathology Clinic, a university student-led clinic dedicated to serving the community. This initiative represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing hands-on learning experiences for our students whilst offering essential speech pathology services to those in need. Our students are eager to apply their knowledge and skills in the clinic, making a positive impact on the lives of our community members. We look forward to seeing the clinic thrive and grow, fostering a spirit of partnership and collaboration.”