Monday 24 September 2007
Ignorance is blocking vital services for people with communication disability
Embargoed until midnight 23 September 2007. Page one of two Nine out of 10 speech and language therapists say local NHS managers lack the skills needed to identify and buy in services to meet the needs of people with communication disability, according to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
The RCSLT carried out a survey of speech and language therapy managers in August. Four out of five respondents (82%) said they believed local NHS decision makers do not understand their role and 64% that they do not appreciate the value of the service speech and language therapists provide.
As a result, two out of five UK speech and language therapy managers say they face financial cuts in the coming year that will affect the standard of care they give to their clients.
A quarter (24%) said they have frozen posts; 24% will not be able to maintain current staffing levels; and 40% will not be able to recruit new graduates this year. Nearly two-thirds (58%) said they will not be able to plan for, and meet, patient-led demands.
The RCSLT says it is a tragedy that the ignorance of local NHS decision makers is preventing the delivery of Government policies designed to improve services to people with communication disability.
According to the RCSLT, local NHS managers must receive better training to help them understand the role of speech and language therapists, and how their work contributes towards meeting national policy.
RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok says, "It is a tragedy to see excellent Government policy, designed to improve services for people with communication disability, blocked at a local level.
"There is widespread ignorance about the work speech and language therapists do, and as a result, it is clear local managers are failing to buy in these vital services. The result is vulnerable children and adults, who most need our help, are missing out," Ms Gadhok adds.
"We highlighted this problem a year ago and we are disappointed to report that our current survey shows little has changed.
"Desperately needed speech and language therapy services are being cut and many departments will not be able to deliver the same level of care at a time when demand is increasing.
"We appeal to Government to educate commissioners so they better understand the vital role played by speech and language therapists in improving the life chances of the 2.5 million people across the UK who have a communication disability."
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 13,000 members. It is responsible for setting, promoting
and maintaining high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical
conduct. Visit: www.rcslt.org
- The RCSLT welcomes the Government's review into the provision of services to children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) announced by the Prime Minister on 3 September.
- For more information contact Jane Mackenzie, RCSLT England Policy Officer tel: 0797 370 2772 or Claire Moser tel: 0207 378 3023, email: claire.moser@rcslt.org
ENDS
For more information contact Steven Harulow, email: steven.harulow@rcslt.org tel: 020 7378 3004