21 March 2007

meeting the commissioning challenge

For immediate release, Wednesday 21 March 2007. Page one of one

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) will host a major conference for managers and leaders in speech and language therapy on Monday 26 March 2007 at Kensington Town Hall, London.

Over 130 delegates from around the UK will attend Meeting the commissioning challenge: redefining speech and language therapy services for the 21st century.

They will discuss how to stay at the forefront of changes in healthcare and better ways of creating responsive, appropriate and accessible services.

Speakers will include

  • David Colin-Thomé - National Clinical Director for Primary Care, Department of Health

ˇ Laurie McMahon - Director, Loop 2 and NHS Policy Adviser to the Nuffield Hospitals

ˇ Jean Penny - Head of Learning, NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement

ˇ Heather Wicks - Head of Commissioning and Service Redesign, and Professional Advisor in Orthoptics, Oxford City PCT and Department of Health

RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok says,"This is an immensely important conference for the speech and language therapy community.

"At a time of increasing challenges in health and social care, it is crucial that speech and language therapy managers and leaders develop new and innovative practice to turn those challenges into opportunities."

Ends

Notes for editors:

ˇ Meeting the Commissioning Challenge will take place on Monday 26 March 2007, from 9.30am - 4.30pm at Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX

ˇ Contact RCSLT England Policy Officer Jane Mackenzie to discuss media opportunities, tel: 07973 702 772 or email: jane.mackenzie@rcslt.org

ˇ Visit: http://www.rcslt.org for more conference details

  • The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) 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.

ˇ RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok and RCSLT England Policy Officer Jane Mackenzie will be available for media interviews at the conference.

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