The Task Force report emphasises the need for better partnership and collaborative working between health and education professionals to support the early identification of children’s needs and to secure better outcomes for them.
It also recommends that other people, including parents, are trained to understand speech and language therapy needs and are provided with more information about the services available.
The minister said: “I welcome the completion of this report and I intend to set up a working group to address the recommendations as a matter of urgency.
“I am determined that children across Northern Ireland should have access to the same speech and language therapy services which should be delivered according to best practice.
“Many initiatives which I have already taken forward have moved the service in the direction set out in the report. These include the improvements in waiting times for Allied Health Professionals, which have been reduced to less than 26 weeks, and which will be further reduced to 13 weeks next year.”
He added: “I would like to pay tribute to the late Pamela Hannigan who initiated this work, and thank Alison McCullough who stepped in to carry the review to its conclusion.
“I would also like to recognise the valuable contribution made by the parents and representatives of voluntary groups who were on the Task Force.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The Terms of Reference for the Review were as follows:
- To explore in greater depth, the relevant issues identified in the NICCY Report relating to SLT provision within Northern Ireland
- To consider how Speech and Language Therapy services can be delivered more effectively within a multi- professional and multi-agency context by examining models of good practice, including those operating in other jurisdictions and to explore ways to disseminate this learning
- Building upon the opportunity presented by the implementation of the new Health and Education organisational structures, to consider how to promote a more equitable service across the Province by:
- identifying the extent and effect of the lack of administrative support and ICT systems for Speech and Language Therapy services; and
- exploring the means of achieving earlier diagnosis and intervention and of reducing waiting times by the development of standards for service delivery including maximum waiting times for assessment and follow-up intervention;
- To propose future workforce planning arrangements, which take account of gaps in provision as a result of absenteeism, maternity leave etc.
- To consult fully with relevant interest groups and develop a time-bound action plan by 31 January 2008.
- Provide regular progress reports/recommendations to DHSSPS.
2. The Speech & Language Therapy Task Force Report is available from the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours from the Duty Press Officer; or online from 3 July on the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety website
3. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
