Falkirk facing rising demand for speech therapy caused by the pandemic

Falkirk is facing a surge in demand for speech therapy services, largely due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to this growing need, an innovative partnership between NHS Forth Valley and local schools has been established to ensure that children receive support as quickly as possible. A report presented to Falkirk Council’s Scrutiny Committee highlights the significant changes that have been made to enhance local speech and language therapy services.

The report acknowledges a national increase in speech, language, and communication support requirements following the pandemic, resulting in more requests for assistance, larger caseloads, and extended waiting times. However, the collaboration between the three Forth Valley councils (Falkirk, Stirling, and Clackmannanshire) and the local NHS has managed to defy these trends. It is estimated that around 8,700 children and young people in Falkirk have communication needs, with the service in Falkirk successfully reaching more children sooner with minimal waiting times compared to other regions in Scotland.

One of the key improvements introduced through the partnership was to streamline the process for parents and carers to seek help directly. This proactive approach has led to earlier interventions yielding positive results, with the growth in caseloads stabilising post-pandemic. Despite a 43% rise in demand for tailored support over the past six years across Forth Valley, the service has expanded its reach to provide expertise to more children and young people promptly.

The commitment from Falkirk Council to fund 42% (£597,984) of the Speech and Language Therapy service for the 2023/24 business year, with NHS Forth Valley covering the remaining 58%, underscores the importance of this investment. The report emphasises the necessity of continued funding for this collaborative service to support vulnerable learners striving to recover from the impacts of the pandemic on their language skills.

The successful outcomes achieved by the partnership in Falkirk demonstrate that valuable services can be delivered without additional resources or funding, showcasing a real impact on the community. By prioritising early intervention and efficient support systems, the collaboration between NHS Forth Valley and local schools has effectively addressed the rising demand for speech therapy services in a challenging post-pandemic landscape.

In conclusion, the proactive measures taken by the partnership are yielding positive results in Falkirk, setting an example for other regions grappling with increased demands for speech therapy services. By prioritising efficient service delivery and early interventions, the collaboration serves as a beacon of hope for children and young people in need of speech and language support amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.