Ms. Fiona Sugden-Best

Independent Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and Previous Head of SLT/Professional Lead and Head of Nutrition and Dietetics Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust

Country

United Kingdom

Speciality

Speech Therapy

Subspeciality

Swallowing and Feeding Disorders

Experience

38 years

Languages

English

About the expert

Mrs Fiona Sugden-Best is a highly experienced Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) specializing in voice disorders, dysphagia, and acquired neurological conditions. With a BSc (Hons) and MSc in Human Communication from City University, London, she has held leadership roles, including Head of SLT at Surrey & Sussex NHS. She is a certified member of the RCSLT and registered with the HCPC. Fiona has contributed to research, training, and publications in SLT and continues to provide expert consultations in rehabilitation and dysphagia management.

Mrs Fiona Sugden-Best is a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) with over 35 years of experience in voice disorders, dysphagia, and acquired neurological conditions. She earned her BSc (Hons) in Clinical Communication Studies (1988) and MSc in Human Communication (1993) from City University, London. She has worked extensively with patients suffering from stroke, brain injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic voice issues, providing specialized interventions.

She has held leadership positions, including Head of Speech and Language Therapy at Surrey & Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust (2012–2022) and SLT Manager at First Community Health and Care (2008–2012). She has also been a consultant SLT for Sussex Health Care (2005–2016) and was involved in a Teleswallowing Pilot Project (2022), providing teletherapy services for dysphagia management.

Mrs Sugden-Best is a certified member of RCSLT, registered with HCPC and is a member of relevant specialist professional groups. She has contributed to training programs, research, and expert reviews for healthcare regulators. She specializes in voice , neurological rehabilitation, communication impairments, and dysphagia management, supporting both in-person and teletherapy services.

She has authored multiple SLT resource textbooks and has regularly presented at conferences and developed training programs. Currently, she is developing e-learning resources with an e-learning provider, in relation to communication and dysphagia. She is committed to advancing the field and providing high-level consultations in rehabilitation and voice therapy management.

Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)
2004 - Today
Independent
Head of SLT/Professional Lead and Head of Nutrition and Dietetics
2012 - 2022
Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust
SLT Manager/Professional Lead
2008 - 2012
First Community Health and Care
Consultant SLT
2005 - 2016
Sussex Health Care (SHC)
Head of SLT/Professional Lead and Head of Play and Music Therapy
2001 - 2008
The Children’s Trust
Head of Adult SLT
1999 - 2001
Redbridge NHS Health Care Trust
Senior SLT
1997 - 1999
The Royal London Hospital (Whitechapel)
Acting Head of SLT
1996 - 1996
The Royal Hospital For Neuro-disability
Specialist SLT
1992 - 1997
The Royal Hospital For Neuro-disability

QUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism 2023

South Downs College

2025
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems

South Downs College

2024
MSc Human Communication

City University, Northampton Square, London.

1993
BSc (Hons) Clinical Communication Studies

City University, Northampton Square, London.

1988

Certified Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT): RC0007651
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registered: SL00420
Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Private Practice (ASLTIP): Full member: 584
Association of Speech & Language Therapists in Private Practice (ASLTIP)
National Swallowing Disorder Foundation (NFSOD)
Swallow Gateway
European Society for Swallowing Disorders (ESSD)
British Aphasiology Society (BAS)
British Voice Association (BVA)
British Laryngology Association (BLA)

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