This in from the Isle of Wight NHS, in their own words. Ed
On Friday 24th June, Mr Andrew Turner MP visited the Speech and Language Therapy Department at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, to give his support to the department.
Mr Turner spent considerable time reviewing the facilities, talking to staff and also meeting Island residents who are users of the service.
Highlighting ‘Giving Voice’ campaign
Also visiting was Derek Munn from the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, who highlighted their ‘Giving Voice’ campaign which aims to demonstrate how speech and language therapy makes a difference to people with speech, language and communication needs, their families, and the wider society.
The campaign wants to show what speech and language therapy is and the positive impact it has on the lives of people who have speech, language or communications needs or difficulties with swallowing.
Wide range of patients
Every day, speech and language therapists in the department work with a huge variety of people – from babies with swallowing disorders, young children who stammer or who are having difficulty with developing their speech and language skills, to older people recovering from stroke and other brain injuries.
Speech and language therapists enable people to express themselves, to listen to and understand others.
Speech and language therapists also work with and alongside others including parents, carers and other professionals in early years’ settings, schools, hospitals, prisons and with people in their own homes. They provide training to health visitors, teachers, nurses and the wider workforce to make their interventions and support more effective, and to improve the recovery or independence of their clients.
“I know how important it is”
Andrew Turner MP commented, “Following my stroke in 2006 I benefited from the excellent Speech & Language services on the Island so I know how important it is. During my rehabilitation, Carrie from the department was a tremendous help and I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank her for all her support. I know that each of the therapists will be making a positive impact on the lives of their patients.
“Communication is vital and it is so easy to take for granted. It is a skill developed through life and sometimes that little bit of extra help can make all the difference in communicating. It was very interesting to meet staff and users of the service and learn about their experiences. We are very fortunate to have these excellent services on the Island. ”
“Excellent reputation”
Derek Munn from the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists commented: “The Speech and Language Department on the Isle of Wight has an excellent reputation within the profession and Andrew Turner MP is a highly valued parliamentary supporter. This was a perfect opportunity to showcase Speech and Language Therapy and the IoW team.”
Nicola Turner, Deputy Associate Director of Community, Family and Therapy Services commented on the visit: “It is a tremendous feeling to have the quality of the service provided to residents along with the hard work put in by the department’s team recognised and praised by the Island’s MP and by the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.”
