5 November 2003
SLTs win awards for clinical innovation
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has announced the joint recipients for this year's Sternberg Award for Clinical Innovation.Dr Graham Williamson, specialist speech and language therapist at Darlington Memorial Hospital, received his award for his work in improving the evaluation of voice difficulties in children and adults.
Dr Williamson wrote a Windows based software programme that guides clinicians through a systematic evaluation of voice difficulties, ensuring that consistent information is collected on each client and greatly enhancing research and audit activities.
Claire Wells, principal speech and language therapist at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, received her award for her work in implementing a project to significantly reduce waiting lists for patients needing specialist intervention for specific voice difficulties.
As a result of Ms Wells' work, there has been a measurable improvement in the quality of the service offered to patients under the clinical voice disorders service and an increase in patient satisfaction.
RCSLT Senior Life Vice President Sir Sigmund Sternberg, KCSG, presented the awards at the 2003 RCSLT AGM in Cardiff on 30 October.
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Notes for editors:
These projects are just two examples of the wide ranging work which speech and language therapists are undertaking to meet the NHS modernisation agenda.Claire Wells is available for comment, email: claire.wells@nwlh.nhs.uk
Dr Graham Williamson can be contacted at: graham.williamson@smtp.sdhc-tr.northy.nhs.uk
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK and has over 11,000 members.
For more information contact Steven Harulow, email: steven.harulow@rcslt.org tel: 020 7378 3004