Health Minister visits Fleming Fulton School

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today visited the pupils and staff at Fleming Fulton School in Belfast.

While visiting the school, the Minister took the opportunity to single out for praise, the staff who provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy for pupils.

The Minister said: “I welcome the opportunity to be here today to meet both the pupils and staff of Fleming Fulton. This school has an excellent record of helping its pupils to achieve maximum independence and educational attainment.

“My visit today has allowed me to see at first hand the impressive work carried out in the school’s physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy departments. The therapists have demonstrated a wonderful and unselfish commitment to the school over the years, working with children either on a one to one basis or as part of a team, with the aim of helping each child to reach their full potential. I wish to pay tribute to the staff and pupils who together make Fleming Fulton such an enjoyable place to live and learn.”

The Minister continued: “I am committed to improving services for children and adults with a disability. My Department is currently developing a new Physical and Sensory Disability Strategy and, over the next three years, an extra £10million will be dedicated to services for those with a physical or sensory disability including extra money to be used specifically on Speech and Language Therapy services.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Fleming Fulton School was established in Belfast 1957. It is a school which caters for children with a wide range of physical disabilities aged between two and a half years years and 19 years of age. The children come from all parts of Northern Ireland and benefit from a wide range of services which includes education, care, therapy and medical attention.

2. The school consists of a nursery unit and primary and secondary departments and provides boarding facilities for children during term time with round the clock care from qualified staff.

3. Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571 or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.