Awake craniotomy: speech and language therapists at the cutting edge

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Join us as we uncover the fascinating role of speech and language therapists working in awake craniotomy. We go to Birmingham to meet SLT Georgie Harrington and Mr Ismail Ughratdar, Consultant neurosurgeon to find out how they work as part of a team. Donald Innes, an expert by experience, who has had two awake craniotomies, shares his story and thoughts about the process. Kathleen Graham, SLT and now senior project manager for the RCSLT and lead on new awake craniotomies position paper (Oct 2025), gives us some of the history about the procedure.

With thanks to speakers:

• Donald Innes, expert by experience
• Kathleen Graham, Senior Project Manager, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Georgie Harrington, Clinical lead, Speech and Language Therapy Outpatients, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
• Mr Ismail Ughratdar, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Speech and Language Therapy Outpatients, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Useful links:

• RCSLT awake craniotomy position paper (October 2025)
• Awake craniotomy | RCSLT (resources for the public)
• Awake craniotomy resources | RCSLT (resources for members of the RCSLT)
• What to expect during an awake craniotomy for brain tumour removal

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.