McGimpsey sets targets for language therapy

The NI Assembly Health Minister has announced measures to help reduce the length of time children wait for speech and language assessments and therapy.

Speaking during a debate in the Assembly, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey announced an assessment and treatment target of 26 weeks by March 2008 and 13 weeks by March 2009.

He also confirmed an additional £1million to further improve access to speech and language therapy across Northern Ireland.

Michael McGimpsey said: “Although services are improving I am not satisfied with how things are at present. I intend to ensure equality of access to speech and language therapy services throughout Northern Ireland.

“Steps must be taken to reduce waiting times now. This new waiting list target and additional funding, along with other ongoing initiatives, will help tackle the issue of access to speech and language therapy services.”

A number of initiatives have been introduced to try and meet the increasing demand including the establishment of the Regional Speech and Language Task Force which is looking at developing and promoting existing good practice in Northern Ireland, as well as investigating evidence of good working practice in other areas of the UK. The Task Force will report its findings in December 2007.

The Minister concluded: “The importance of partnership working between the government, statutory, voluntary and community sectors cannot be underestimated in helping to plan, commission and deliver services in a coordinated way.

“I look forward to hearing the recommendations of the Task Force. I am committed to improving speech and language therapy service provision and equality of access throughout Northern Ireland.”

(SP/KMcA)