UC Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research

Imagine not being able to swallow safely … you couldn’t enjoy your favourite meal or savour your favourite beverage. Every day, we work with people who have suffered from stroke, cancer or neurological issues who struggle with just that!

The University of Canterbury Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research Te Puna Whakaora Rehu Ohotata, headed by renowned swallowing researcher Prof Maggie-Lee Huckabee, specialises in intensive swallowing rehabilitation. We are world leaders in developing and offering innovative diagnostic and treatment tools, supported by the latest research and technology.

A major obstacle to recovery of swallowing is not being able to see swallowing. It’s very hard for patients to change what they cannot see or understand. Our latest development is a simple but effective device that let’s patients see one aspect of swallowing as a line on a screen. By controlling the line, they learn to control their swallowing. This treatment approach has already helped hundreds of patients in New Zealand and beyond.

But here’s where we need your help! Our goal is to develop a more ‘souped-up’ version of this device that will allow patients to do intensive treatment in the home, while being monitored remotely by their clinician. This will allow even more patients to benefit from treatment as it doesn’t require visits to the hospital.