Contact Numbers:
Salford Speech & Language Therapy Department
Community: 0161 206 2333
Hospital: 0161 206 5450
Hospital Stroke Department: 0161 206 2142
Community Stroke and Rehabilitation: 0161 206 2352
Email: adult.salfordslt@nca.nhs.uk
Why is it important to follow Speech and Language Therapy recommendations?
Following your assessment with the Speech and Language Therapist, they may advise you to add ‘thickener’ to your drinks to achieve a specific consistency ie. thickness of drink. This has been recommended to help manage your swallowing difficulties.
Level 1 thickened fluids - 1 scoop/1 stick pack per 200mls of fluids.
Level 2 thickened fluids - 2 scoops/2 stick packs per 200mls of fluids
Level 3 thickened fluids - 4 scoops/4 stick packs per 200mls of fluids
Level 4 thickened fluids - 6 scoops/6 stick packs per 200mls of fluids
Please note that there are different brands of thickener. Always follow the instructions for the specific product described. The instructions in this leaflet refer to Nestle Resource Thicken Up Clear.
If you have been prescribed any nutritional supplement drinks, they will need to be changed to an equivalent pre-thickened alternative.
Please be aware that some foods are made with fluids, or melt to a thin fluid in the mouth, such as, ice cream, jelly, soup, gravy etc. Your therapist will discuss with you how to adapt or change these foods.
How to prepare a thickened drink using Resource Thicken Up Clear
If you experience difficulty with your swallow e.g. coughing when drinking, frequent chest infections or feel your swallow has generally deteriorated please contact your speech and language therapist for advice or assessment!
Please note if you have any kidney difficulties then you should seek the advice of your dietitian before using this product.
Please inform your GP if you have concerns regarding signs of dehydration or repeated urinary tract infections as these are risks that could be associated with use of thickener.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) acts on behalf of service users, families, and carers to negotiate prompt solutions and help bring about changes in the way that services are developed.
As well as providing a confidential advice and support service, PALS will help guide you through the different services available from the NHS.
Telephone: 0161 778 5665
Email: pals@nca.nhs.uk
Alternatively, you can write to: PALS Department, The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Unit 7/8 Whitney Court, Southlink Business Park, Hamilton Street, Oldham, OL4 1DB.
Comments and Complaints
We want to learn from comments and complaints about our services. If you have any, please speak with a member of staff. Every effort will be made to resolve any concerns and complaining will not cause any difficulties in your care with us.
You can also contact our Complaints Department via post at:
Complaints Department, The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Unit 7/8 Whitney Court, Southlink Business Park, Hamilton Street, Oldham, OL4 1DB.
Telephone: 0161 656 1141
E-mail: office.complaints@nca.nhs.uk
Date of Review: June 2024
Date of Next Review: June 2026
Ref No: PI_DS_1202 (Salford)