LANSW Sponsors Head and Neck Cancer Workshop

The Laryngectomee Association of New South Wales (LANSW) recently supported the Sydney/Illawarra Speech Pathology Head and Neck Peer Supervision Group by sponsoring the catering for their introductory Head and Neck Cancer Workshop. Held at the Clive Austin Conference Centre in Ryde, the two-day workshop took place on October 23rd and 24th, gathering of over 50 speech pathologists from across New South Wales and a few from interstate.

The working party included: Jessica Tam (RNSH), Lydia Natsis (Westmead), Lisa Pelaia (Nepean), Rachel Walker (POWH), Caleb Heng (Lifehouse), Dr Katrina Blyth (Sydney University), Anita Macdonald-D’Silva (Wollongong/Shoalhaven Hospital), and Rachelle Robinson (POWH).

The workshop was designed for participants to learn more about the role of speech pathologists in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) and the role of other healthcare professionals in the HNC Multidisciplinary Team. The workshop featured presentations from a multidisciplinary team, including both healthcare professionals and patients.

There were 26 different speakers over the two days, including a MDT panel, a range of the integral health professionals discussing their role in the team, and first-hand experiences of HNC patients and partners – Wally, Leslie, Yvonne, Cate and Danni.

Les Byrnes (President) and Wal Bak (Hunter Valley Liaison) shared invaluable insights on the “lived experience of having a laryngectomy”, both addressing the realities of life after a laryngectomy. Their presentations provided a personal perspective that highlighted the challenges and resilience of patients, deepening the speech pathologists’ understanding of patient experiences post-surgery.

Wal Bak with Speech Pathologists
Les and Yvonne Byrnes

The workshop concluded the following day with an observational session at Sydney Hospital, where 22 regional and rural Speech Pathologists had the opportunity to observe head and neck patient management in a clinical setting.

LANSW is proud to support such initiatives, recognising the vital role speech pathologists play in the journey of individuals affected by head and neck cancers. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to this enriching event.