Written Question · S3W-40095 · Session 3
What steps it takes to ensure that all prisoners with a communication difficulty are assessed by a speech and language therapist.
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it takes to ensure that all prisoners with a communication difficulty are assessed by a speech and language therapist.
The answer
I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:
If it is identified that an adult prisoner may need speech and language therapy as part of their case management or clinical care a referral for consideration can be made to the NHS board where the prison is located.
The Scottish Prison Service has a contract with NHS Forth Valley for the provision of a speech and language therapist to assess and provide appropriate support for young offenders referred by staff in HMYOI''s Polmont and Cornton Vale.
Speech and language therapy is only one possible means to support individuals with some forms of communication impairment and each prison provides a learning service which can also address speech and language difficulties.
If it is identified that an adult prisoner may need speech and language therapy as part of their case management or clinical care a referral for consideration can be made to the NHS board where the prison is located.
The Scottish Prison Service has a contract with NHS Forth Valley for the provision of a speech and language therapist to assess and provide appropriate support for young offenders referred by staff in HMYOI''s Polmont and Cornton Vale.
Speech and language therapy is only one possible means to support individuals with some forms of communication impairment and each prison provides a learning service which can also address speech and language difficulties.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-40095 by reference.