More Children Across the Midlands to Benefit from Specialist Voice Therapy Service
The specialist Voice Team at Birmingham Children's Hospital have proudly announced the expansion of its dedicated Children’s Voice (Dysphonia) Service.
The comprehensive service, developed to provide specialist support for children aged 4 to 16 experiencing voice disorders, has now doubled its capacity to meet the growing need for expert paediatric voice care across the region.
One family who has benefitted from this service is that of 15-year-old Mackenzie Orchard from Lichfield, who has been supported by the Voice Service since his first year of primary school.
Mackenzie, born prematurely, had multiple operations around his airway to help him breathe, including a tracheostomy, which he had from ages five until ten. As a result, Mackenzie has a stiff voice box, causing persistent hoarseness.
Reflecting on his journey, Mackenzie said: "It was hard growing up with a voice problem, especially at school. Everyone was always asking me what was wrong with my voice, and I had to explain myself over and over."
The Voice Team has provided Mackenzie with regular examinations of his vocal cords and tailored speech and language therapy, including exercises to strengthen his voice.
Talking about the support he's received, Mackenzie said: “Kate, Carrie and Susanna from the Voice Team have made a real difference. My voice has gotten stronger, and not only that, but they have taught me about myself. They never treated me like a kid, they explained everything to me even from a young age and gave me confidence in my voice."
Mackenzie’s mother, Osa, shared: "They have made such a huge difference in our lives. I've seen improvements in Mackenzie's voice and his confidence. And I think that comes from him being treated respectfully by professionals from a young age.
"I get quite emotional talking about it. As a parent it meant so much seeing the Speech and Language Therapists put Mackenzie first and how much respect and independence they gave him."
On hearing of the Voice Team’s expansion, Osa added: "I'm absolutely thrilled more families will receive the same kind of support we have. Your voice can affect so many aspects of your life, and it was so hard as a parent to feel powerless to help."
"I just know how many parents will feel so relieved that there's going to be these wonderful people who are not just skilled and professional but lovely human beings who will support their children and help them feel empowered."
Led by a team of dedicated voice specialists, the Voice Service provides a personalised approach for each child, empowering them with tailored voice and behaviour therapies to improve their voice and thrive.
Ms Kate Stephenson, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Consultant and Head and Neck Surgeon, said: "Our centre is unique in the region, and we pride ourselves in offering support that is holistic and young person-centred. We are so pleased to be able to support more families”.
The expansion means an increased capacity for one-to-one therapy sessions both online and in person. The team are also developing online resources to support children's progress outside of therapy sessions.
Susanna Carter, Voice Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), explained “This expansion means that we will be able to see and treat children and young people more promptly, increase our specialised voice therapy capacity, and provide broader care outside of the region."
Carrie Garrett, also a Voice Specialist SLT in the service, added: “The expanded service also offers enhanced local support connections to improve continuity of care for children in surrounding regions. This collaborative approach prioritises personalised support, empowering children to find their voices, communicate confidently, and achieve their best possible outcomes.
“The Voice Service is committed to delivering compassionate, expert support to children and their families while encouraging positive changes in vocal health”.