Cambodia Project Week 7

This week we have been pleased to welcome some visitors to Cambodia. Professor Tim Pring has joined us for two weeks to offer his support and feedback on the progress made so far during the trip. He has been a key figure in the management group for the project over the last 4 years, and his insights are proving invaluable to our work out here.

Additionally, we have been lucky enough to have the support of a specialist SLT from back home (Alex). Her advice and guidance has been much appreciated and has provided opportunities for reflection and problem solving of some of the challenges we have faced to date e.g. how to reassure families that help is available, and how to attempt to reduce the stigma attached within this culture to having a cleft lip and/or palate.

The patients seen this week have (as usual) had a wide range of speech and language difficulties, which has provided plenty of opportunities for modelling joint working between the speech advisors and other professionals such as audiologists and orthodontists. Such collaboration ensures that therapy provided at the CSC and NPH is not impeded by barriers such as tooth loss and decay which will inevitably affect articulation and speech sound production.

Similarly, if a child is unable to hear the difference between speech sounds, they will be unable to learn to produce particular sounds and develop contrasts between them. Thus far, Samnang and Alin are doing a great job in referring patients to the relevant professionals, hence promoting MDT working.

This weekend brings yet another public holiday as it is the King's father's birthday, providing the chance for some relaxation after another hard (but enjoyable) week at work!