3 April 2006

Channel 4 programme exposes need for better planning, more responsive commissioning of speech and language therapy services

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) responds to the broadcast this evening of "Help me to speak" on Channel 4:

This documentary, the first part of which deals with stammering and the difficulties faced by young people with speech and language problems, highlights the importance of speech and language therapy in transforming the lives of many young people.

The experiences of one girl in the programme, eleven year-old Joanne, however, expose the uneven provision of care for people with communications needs in the UK.

The RCSLT will continue to work closely with the Department of Health to ensure that provision care for children with speech and language difficulties improves. However, anticipating the possible impact of changes in the NHS on speech and language therapy, RCSLT announces two forthcoming events that it hopes will contribute to resolving the kinds of issues identified in this documentary.

On 5 April, RCSLT will launch a position paper prepared by Marie Gascoigne on Supporting children with speech, language and communication needs within integrated children's services.

This will be followed on 27 April 2006 by a conference hosted by RCSLT in London, examining the impact of the current plans for the commissioning and delivery of speech and language therapy services in the restructured NHS.

RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok said, "RCSLT welcomes the high-profile that 'Help me to speak' gives to speech and language therapy. Stammering is a hidden disability. People with communications needs are marginalised in policy, planning and services delivery. There are no targets set by Government for the care of people who stammer and it is evident that Commissioners have little understanding of the needs of this group.

RCSLT is familiar with the picture of local and regional variation in the accessibility of speech and language therapy to people with communications needs. We believe that better workforce planning and more responsive commissioning arrangements will improve access to the high quality services which speech and language therapists provide. This is why we are publishing new recommendations this week on supporting children with speech, language and communication needs. Later this month, we are also holding a conference in London, to help our Members to understand and prepare for the new commissioning arrangements in the NHS."

Ends

Notes for editors:

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) 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.
On 5 April, RCSLT will launch a position paper prepared by Marie Gascoigne on Supporting children with speech, language and communication needs within integrated children's services. A preview copy can be found at: http://www.rcslt.org/docs/free-pub/Supporting_children-website.pdf
On 27 April 2006, the RCSLT hosts a conference Commissioning a patient led NHS: what does it mean for you? At the Holiday Inn, Regents Park, London. Details here; http://www.rcslt.org/april27

For more information contact:
RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok on 0207 378 3007; email: kamini.gadhok@rcslt.org
RCSLT Head of Policy Nick Smith, tel: 0207 378 3015

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