Fluoroscopy
On this page:
The Video-fluoroscopy Service (VFS) is a specialist service used for assessment, diagnosis and management of swallowing in a range of client populations where the suspected condition or disease process impacts on swallow function and may result in a risk of death, pneumonia, dehydration, malnutrition and psychological issues related to discomfort and difficulty eating and drinking.
Video-fluoroscopy of swallow is a modification of the standard barium swallow examination used in the management or oro-pharyngeal swallowing disorders. It is described in a number of sources as the ‘gold standard’ for the assessment of oro-pharyngeal dysphagia.
What we offer:
The service offers an assessment, diagnosis and subsequent recommendations of advice on the management of swallowing difficulties for the patient, carer and referrer
Contact details
Senior Speech and Language Therapists, Queen Mary’s Hospital
Anna Wivel – anna.wivell@stgeorges.nhs.uk
Melanie Rowe – melanie.rowe@stgeorges.nhs.uk
020 8487 6146
020 8487 6145
Opening hours
The VFS clinic is held twice monthly on Thursdays 9.30am- 1.30pm
Location
Key staff
Anna Wivell and Melanie Rowe, Senior Speech and Language Therapists supported by clinical staff from the Queen Mary’s Hospital Radiology Department
Referrals
Referrals to the VFS service should be made by Speech and Language Therapist’s on a VFS referral form or by letter, phone or email and should be accompanied by an x ray request form signed by the patient’s doctor.