Speech Pathology · Referral letter · Task 2

Persistent voice change in a teacher

You are a speech pathologist. The case notes below record your work on 2 September 2026. Write to Dr Adam Quinn, ENT Consultant, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, 45 College Road, Brookfield. Request ENT assessment, explaining the findings and limitations of your evaluation. Select the information this recipient needs and write approximately 180-200 words in the body.

Patient: Nina Brooks

Case notes

• N01Date: 2 September 2026. Patient: Nina Brooks.
• N02Teacher; hoarseness 8 weeks after respiratory illness; other illness symptoms resolved.
• N03Current: effort increases through school day; now hoarse on waking as well as after work.
• N04No current breathing/swallowing problem reported; cause unknown.
• N05Today: rough voice, strain with longer conversation.
• N06No laryngeal examination performed; no nodule diagnosis/lesion-specific exercises.
• N07Advice: general reduction of unnecessary vocal strain within current routine.
• N08Concern: permanent exclusion from teaching; explanation that assessment precedes prognosis/intervention.
• N09Headteacher can arrange quieter duties with consent.
• N10Plan: Dr Adam Quinn, ENT Consultant; laryngeal assessment before targeted therapy; send findings/therapy suitability.
• N11Practical: after-school appointments preferred; earlier with notice.
• N12Background: six years at same school; sings informally at home.