Caboolture Hospital Launches New Videofluoroscopy Swallow Clinic for Adult Outpatients

Patient Marilyn Clark and Speech Pathologist Sarah Rand

Caboolture Hospital’s Speech Pathology Department has officially launched a six-month pilot of an adult outpatient Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) clinic, offering a new and convenient diagnostic service for patients with swallowing difficulties.

The clinic is designed to bring essential diagnostic services closer to home for patients experiencing oropharyngeal dysphagia—swallowing difficulties that occur in the mouth and throat.

This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological disorders, cancer, or surgery.

Stacey Rand, Speech Pathologist at Caboolture Hospital, explains that oropharyngeal dysphagia can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it essential for patients to receive timely and accurate diagnoses.

“We are excited to offer this much-needed service to our community, allowing patients to receive care closer to home,” said Stacey. “This pilot clinic also opens the door for improved access to care for those in the broader Caboolture catchment, including Kilcoy and Bribie Island.”

The VFSS involves a contrast X-ray video while patients eat and drink different food and liquid consistencies.

This allows the team to observe and diagnose swallowing impairments, which is crucial for determining appropriate treatment and rehabilitation options.

One of the first patients to benefit from the clinic is 76-year-old Marilynn Clark, a local Beachmere resident who had previously travelled to Redcliffe for assessments.

“I’m really grateful to be able to recover closer to home. It makes a big difference,” Marilynn said.

The clinic currently accepts referrals from Queensland Health doctors, with plans to also open to GP referrals in the coming months.