McGimpsey appoints new chairperson to the regional speech and language therapy task force

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today announced the appointment of Alison McCullough as the new Chairperson of the Regional Speech and Language Therapy Task Force.

Ms McCullough will lead the Task Force in producing recommendations, drawing up an action plan and reporting on its findings by December of this year.

Welcoming Ms McCullough’s appointment, the Minister said: “I am confident that Alison’s knowledge and experience will assist her, and Task Force colleagues, in taking forward this important area of work. I must also pay tribute to the excellent work of Dr Pamela Hannigan who had been chair of the Taskforce but sadly died in March.

“I look forward to receiving the Group’s recommendations and I remain committed to improving speech and language therapy service provision and equality of access throughout Northern Ireland.”

The Department of Education is also represented on the Task Force. Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, highlighted the importance of their work and said: “The Regional Task Force is key to achieving improved speech and language services for the many children who need them. My Department welcomes Ms McCullough’s appointment and looks forward to working with her in this important role.”

In accepting her appointment Ms McCullough said: “This report is both an opportunity and a challenge for all of us on the Task Force to ensure that all children in Northern Ireland will receive the highest standards of Speech and Language Therapy services delivered in the most efficient manner. I am delighted that the Minister has confirmed his personal support and hope that together with my Task Force colleagues we can produce an action plan that delivers the best possible outcomes for our users, our partners and our profession.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Dr Pamela Hannigan, Allied Health Commissioner in the Northern Health and Social Services Board, was appointed as the Chairperson of the Speech and Language Therapy Task Force in 2006 but died suddenly on 2 March 2007.

2. In response to recommendations from the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People in a review of speech and language therapy provision in Northern Ireland, a Regional Speech and Language Therapy Task Force was established and began working in September 2006.

3. Membership of the Task Force includes representatives from Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Department of Education, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, voluntary agencies, parents, teachers and Speech and Language Therapists.

Appointment

5. Ms Alison McCullough is currently a member of the Regional Speech and Language Therapy Task Force. She will take up her new post with immediate effect.

6. She qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 1980. She works part time in Belfast Health and Social Care Trust as a Team Leader for Learning Disability. She has a specialist area of interest in Paediatric Dysphagia.

7. She took up position as Northern Ireland Policy Officer for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in January 05 and set up the first regional office for the professional body in Ireland. She has been successful in developing the profession’s visibility within the NI context and in promoting partnerships that will deliver positive outcomes for users and the profession.

8. She has worked closely with the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People in its Review of Speech and Language Therapy and has been a lead member of the Ministerial Task Force.

9. Alison was a member of the Mental Health and Learning Disability Review sub group for children and young people and has lectured part time at UUJ on her specialist area of Learning Disability.

10. She is currently participating in the Equality Commission’s review on accessible information. Alison has been active in raising the profile of people with communication needs and has developed strong partnerships with key voluntary organisations.

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