13 April 2005

Speech and language therapy managers converge on Stratford Upon Avon

More than 200 speech and language therapy managers are expected to attend a major two-day conference starting today (Wednesday, 13 April) at the Moat House Hotel in Stratford Upon Avon.

A time to pause, will look at major issues impacting on speech and language therapy managers as leaders within the profession. Key topics will include the impact of government policy on speech and language therapy services, legal aspects of speech and language therapy service management, supporting children within integrated children's services and the work of the Health Commission in relation to the speech and language therapy profession.

Speakers will include Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) Chief Executive Kamini Gadhok, RCSLT Chair Sue Roulstone, Professor of Speech and Language Therapy at the University of the West of England Faculty of Health and Social Care; Pam Enderby, Professor of Community Rehabilitation, School of Health & Related Research, University of Sheffield; Jo Dent, Operations Leader at the Healthcare Commission; and Patricia Oakley, Teaching & Research Fellow Birkbeck & King's College, University of London.

The RCSLT is also delighted to announce that its royal patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex, will address the first day of the conference.

The Countess will meet local civic dignitaries and conference delegates over lunch before opening the conference's afternoon session.

There will be photo opportunities outside the hotel on the Countess' arrival and filming opportunities inside when she opens the afternoon session of the conference.

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 over 12,000 members. It is responsible for setting, promoting and maintaining high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical conduct. Visit: www.rcslt.org for more information.

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