More children, young people and adults across Lanarkshire are being seen by Speech and Language Therapy services following sustained work to cut waiting times.
The news was shared at the North Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board’s Performance, Finance & Audit Committee where members heard of the sustained progress across both the paediatric and adult services.
Hosted by University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire across the whole region, Speech and Language Therapy works with people of all ages with communication, eating, drinking and swallowing support.
Almost 88 per cent of children and young people are now being seen within the 12-week referral-to-treatment period. This follows two years of service redesign and improvement work to reduce waiting times and help more families get support sooner.
Adult Speech and Language Therapy also continues to perform strongly, with 94.3 per cent of patients being seen within 18 weeks of referral, against the Scottish Government target of 90 per cent.
The committee also heard that the North Lanarkshire Equipment and Adaptation Service is exceeding its 80 per cent delivery time target. The service provides a range of equipment and adaptations ranging from bathing and toilet aids, grab rails and sensory impairment items to assistive technology and larger home adaptations to help people remain safe, supported and independent at home.
Councillor Anne McCrory, Chair of the Performance, Finance & Audit Committee, said: “The progress being made in Speech and Language Therapy is very encouraging and it’s making a real difference to children, young people, adults and families across Lanarkshire.
“Reducing waits for children and young people has been a major focus, and it is particularly positive to see the impact of sustained work over the past two years. This reflects the dedication of staff, focused leadership and a commitment to improving access to care.
“It is also encouraging to see continued strong performance in the adult service, with more people being seen within the 18-week target. These improvements mean we are now ensuring more people are getting timely access to assessment, advice and support.
“These improvements are only possible because of the hard work and professionalism of our staff across University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire. I want to thank them for everything they continue to do for people, families and communities across Lanarkshire.
“The committee also heard positive updates on the Equipment and Adaptation Service, which plays an important role in helping people to stay safe and independent at home.”