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Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy waiting list

Posted By volansnq98

"Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy waiting list"

About: Lanarkshire Community Services / Adult Speech and Language Therapy

(as a parent/guardian),

I was advised by a friend of mine I can leave my concerns here I've got with regards to Speech and Language Therapy.

My boy is 3 years old, started nursery last August. From very early days of a nursery we were advised that he will need some extra help and his key worker has put a referral through to get an appointment. To wait 12 weeks for an appointment is a very long time, especially when we've seen our son struggling with his communication, which on an every day basis resulted in tantrums. We've struggled to watch him struggle. We've struggled as parents as there was nothing more we could do for him. We're only parents, not specialists. Feedback from the nursery was very alarming as well. We needed someone to help us to get out of this constant battle as it was affecting our family life badly.

It got to the point where we started to see slight changes in our son and I must say he's much better now. Yet we were advised that the waiting list is now not 12 but 20 weeks before we will get a letter with an appointment for him.. I'm finding it shocking! For all I know he might have needed 2 or 3 appointments. We, as parents , could have been given some tips, what else to do with him, how to handle his tantrums, how to be better parents to a child who's struggling so much with his emotions. And that would have been priceless. That would have maybe shortened this very exhausting for everyone struggle . It would have helped all of us to understand each other. This waiting list is shocking and I'm sure there are other parents out there waiting too. Have we got our appointment in time we would have been in a different place now as a family. Our son would not have struggled as much. And we as his parents would not have felt as helpless as we did. Help for children his age must be an absolute priority.

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Responses

Response from Pauline Downie, Professional Lead for Speech and Language Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy Services, NHS Lanarkshire 5 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Pauline Downie
Professional Lead for Speech and Language Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy Services,
NHS Lanarkshire

Speech and language therapy provides treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing.

Submitted on 08/03/2019 at 11:47
Published on Care Opinion at 13:59

picture of Pauline Downie

Dear volansnq98

Thank you for taking the time to feedback on speech and language therapy waiting times.

I am sorry to hear of the struggles your son is having with his communication and your struggles to help him.

You are correct in saying that our standard for waiting times is 12 weeks, however due to many factors such as vacancies, maternity leaves and sick leaves, we are regrettably not currently meeting this standard. We are doing all we can to reduce waiting times including staff working additional and overtime hours.

Regarding support for children and families while they are waiting for an appointment- we do run a telephone advice line every Thursday from 2-4 pm - the number is 01236 794102.

We also run drop in clinics for parents and have a range of advice leaflets with tips for parents.

I am not sure which area you live in but if you would like to call me on 07776 161191 or 01236 794104 I can give you more information about the drop ins and also direct you to your local Speech and Language Therapy Department.

Regards

Pauline

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Response from Pauline Downie, Professional Lead for Speech and Language Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy Services, NHS Lanarkshire 5 years ago
We have made a change
Pauline Downie
Professional Lead for Speech and Language Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy Services,
NHS Lanarkshire

Speech and language therapy provides treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing.

Submitted on 09/04/2019 at 09:31
Published on Care Opinion at 10:49

picture of Pauline Downie

Dear volansnq98
Following your story we are looking at how we can support parents of children who are waiting for an appointment by providing them with information and advice while they are waiting.

Thank you for your very helpful feedback.

Regards

Pauline

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Update posted by volansnq98 (a parent/guardian)

Hi Pauline

Thanks for your response. I was aware of drop in clinic and phoning available once a week. I haven't tried either of those options yet. I instantly thought that they are pointless as no one would see my child anyway. It might be unfair of me to say as I've never tried it but that's how I felt about it. I still have not received a letter with appointment for our son.. we should have received one in February. It's so disappointing.

Regards

Response from Pauline Downie, Professional Lead for Speech and Language Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy Services, NHS Lanarkshire 5 years ago
Pauline Downie
Professional Lead for Speech and Language Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy Services,
NHS Lanarkshire

Speech and language therapy provides treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing.

Submitted on 16/04/2019 at 11:53
Published on Care Opinion at 13:16

picture of Pauline Downie

Dear volansnq98

We have found that some parents benefit from the advice line and drop in clinics as it may give them other strategies to try that they have not already thought of themselves and can assist them while they are waiting to see a therapist.

I would be happy find out when your child's appointment will be if you would like to contact me or your local speech and language therapy clinic.

KInd Regards

Pauline

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