Speech therapy services 'stretched in Cambridgeshire'
Wednesday 30th September 2009
Speech therapy services in Cambridgeshire are currently stretched, it has been claimed.
According to figures obtained by Conservative parliamentary candidate Steve Barclay and reported in Fenland Today, the average waiting time for such therapy across the county is 30 weeks after referral from a GP.
This is three months longer than the government's target of 18 weeks.
At present, NHS Cambridgeshire employs 42 fully qualified speech therapists, the statistics show.
Commenting on what he identifies as a lack of resources for speech therapy, Mr Barclay said: "Delays in speech therapy treatment matter particularly to children, as it impacts their development at school both academically and socially."
Youngsters who struggle to communicate with their peers and teachers run the risk of missing out on fulfilling their potential during the "crucial" childhood years, he added.
Created in October 2006, NHS Cambridgeshire runs a number of medical centres and serves a population of around 600,000.
Written by James Puckle
Related articles
Bute resident given communication aid following...
A Bute, Argyll, resident that lost the ability to speak following a stroke is to be given a communication aid following donations....
Monday 23rd April 2012
Derbyshire speech therapists honoured at awards...
NHS speech therapists in Derbyshire have been honoured at the 2012 Advancing Healthcare Awards. The region has launched a...
Monday 16th April 2012
Reforming criminals could benefit from speech...
Reoffending criminals are one of the biggest problems within the UK's justice system as many go back into illegal activities...
Wednesday 28th March 2012
Related Speech-And-Language Jobs
Ongoing locum required to work in Durham ASAP.Ref:J19627 Band: 7 Location: Durham Duration: ASAP - Ongoing Hours: Full...
Full infoPermanent Speech & Language Therapist Job based in East SussexBand 6/7 Speech & Language Therapist (SALT) Part Time (3 days...
Full infoWhat a fantastic opportunity for a Speech Therapy role who has Head and Neck experience! Ref: J17734 Band: 6/7 Location:...
Full info