Speech Pathologists Michelle Sargent, Grace Palmer and Alanna Bowen are spreading the word about Frankston Hospital’s new Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) service.
This procedure is performed by credentialed Speech Pathologists at the patient’s bedside, providing images and audio of the upper digestive and respiratory tract, which are used to assess swallowing problems. Bedside assessment removes the need for patients to be scheduled for and transported to radiology for alternative x-ray swallowing assessment (videofluoroscopy).
Recently credentialed to provide FEES services, Speech Pathologists Grace Palmer and Alanna Bowen explain many benefits.
“FEES is an evidence based diagnostic swallow assessment that uses a nasal endoscope to see the swallow via direct vision within the throat,” says Grace.
“FEES has the potential to improve patient flow because it can be performed on the same day that it is requested,” added Alanna.
The FEES service commenced at Frankston Hospital in January 2024 and is available to adult inpatients across all wards, including ED and ICU.
“Our vision for the FEES service is for expansion across Peninsula Health beyond Frankston Hospital. As more Speech Pathologists become credentialed, we will be well placed to respond to the growing need for the service,” says Michelle.
“The development of the speech pathology FEES service has been a team effort within our Speech Pathologist professional group, and has benefited from a strong partnership with the Ear, Nose and Throat department.”
