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30
SPEECH THERAPY SERVICE
Mr. J.R. Brook, Principal Speech Therapist
The work of the Speech Therapy Section was maintained at a high level
during 1971 although a little below the exceptional year of 1970; 1,183
cases seen against 1,342 in 1970. Staffing was reduced a little to 82% fully
staffed and this accounts in part for the reduction in cases treated. Another
factor is the exceptionally high level of treatments and discharges in the
previous year. Speech therapy is often a long term treatment and events of
one year may affect subsequent years. The waiting list for treatment at the
Central Clinic at the end of 1971 was down to 27, for first appointments.
This is the lowest level recorded over the 5 years since my appointment
and is the effect of 1970's high work level. The reduction in staff to 82% of
full staff still leaves Croydon the best staffed Speech Therapy Section of
comparable size in the country; there is no doubt that this is connected
with the progressive attitude maintained by the School Health Service to the
treatment of speech and language disorders.
It is unfortunate that the gaps in the service have become concentrated
in the Special Schools area. This is a chance occurrence and the therapists
who have left the Special Schools will certainly be replaced as soon as
staff become available.
During the year we were joined by Miss Simpson and Miss Pam Grasso
who has taken responsibility for the Speech Unit. Miss Simpson had to
leave during 1971 as did Miss Scrimshaw and Mrs. Moffett. Miss Scrimshaw
and Miss Simpson both left to be married and Mrs. Moffett was a particularly
severe loss after working in the Section for 4 years since her qualification.
The work of the Section during the year included 31 school visits in
which 274 children were assessed. The school visiting programme is resulting
in closer contact with teachers and increased awareness, especially
on the part of headteachers of Primary Schools, of the help that can be
given by Speech Therapists. There have been more requests for therapy in
schools. This is a very promising line of approach to Language problems,
but the practical obstacles can only be removed gradually. Regular Speech
Therapy in Schools cannot yet be seen as a workable proposition despite
the many attractions.
Mrs. Robertson continues to co-ordinate Speech Therapy in the Special
Schools. Case Conferences have been attended together with Parents'
Evenings and other School Functions. This work often takes place in the
evening and is essential in the effort to view and treat the whole child in
his family.
Students from 3 London Training Schools have attended clinics in
Croydon over the year as part of their practical training for Speech Therapy.
This work is time consuming, but obviously necessary if the flow of