16 September 2004

Children’s NSF: lack of money and targets worries speech and language therapists

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has given a lukewarm response to the announcement of the government's new National Service Framework (NSF) for Children, Young People and Maternity Services.

The standards set out in the NSF are intended to mark a cultural shift in health service provision, with services designed and delivered around the needs of children and their families.

The RCSLT welcomes the identification of 'better speech and language therapy services' as one of the NSF's key aims, but is concerned that a lack of new money and an absence of local targets will mean that children will still not feature highly on the agenda of health trusts.

RCSLT CEO and Professional Director Kamini Gadhok said, "Children have not been on the radar for primary care trusts and our expectation was that the NSF would redress the imbalance. But we are concerned that the lack of funding and targets will exacerbate an already worrying situation."

A survey undertaken by an RCSLT member as part of the NSF consultation process showed that pre-school children in London can wait up to 18 months to see a speech and language therapist and some school-aged children receive no speech therapy service at all.

"Evidence shows that children with speech, language and communication needs have real difficulties developing reading and writing skills. Early intervention is crucial to ensure that they are not at a disadvantage when they enter school," Ms Gadhok said.

"This recognition for early support is reflected by the development of the Sure Start projects run by the Department for Education and Skills. Given that the education curriculum is heavily language based, these children may never catch up - leading to lower educational attainment and restricted employment opportunities. Evidence also shows that, without relevant support, these children are at risk of behavioural problems, social exclusion and involvement in crime.

"The waiting times for speech and language therapy show there are clear resource issues that need to be addressed and I am not sure how any current funds can be freed up without affecting quality of care."

Ms Gadhok added that as targets have been set for other national service frameworks, such as those for heart disease and cancer, speech and language therapists are concerned that this will result in a mis-match of expectation and priority in the NHS and serve to keep children off the agenda.

Ends

Notes for editors:

  • The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK and has nearly 12,000 members. It is responsible for setting, promoting and maintaining high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical conduct. Visit: www.rcslt.org
  • A recent survey showed up to one-third of speech and language therapy posts advertised remain vacant for six months
  • Agenda for Change, the new NHS pay and conditions structure, looks likely to adversely affect many speech and language therapists. An RCSLT telephone poll suggests that speech and language therapists will leave the profession if Agenda for Change goes ahead in its present form.
  • The National Service Framework (NSF) for Children, Young People and Maternity Services can be found at www.dh.gov.uk

For more information contact Steven Harulow, email: steven.harulow@rcslt.org tel: 020 7378 3004