Two new full-time posts - for a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist at the Hellingly Centre and a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist at the Chichester Centre - have been established to bolster the support for patients with complex communication needs.
Speech and language referrals have been steadily increasing across Sussex Partnership's low and medium secure services to support patients with high rates of neurodiversity, developmental language disorder and communication difficulties.
These challenges can impact every part of a patient’s journey, from understanding care plans and engaging in therapy to safe eating and drinking. The expanded speech and language therapy service will introduce structured screening for all new admissions and personalised communication resources.
Research shows that speech and language interventions in forensic services can lead to improved communication abilities, better engagement in programmes, and reduced behavioural incidents in patients.
Over the past two years, the speech and language therapy service in Sussex has already made significant inroads in embedding communication-focused interventions and supporting staff and teams to improve patient communication and engagement.
Patients have reporting feeling understood and more involved in their care. For some patients, communication adjustments have helped prevent behavioural escalation, supported transitions into the community, and corrected longstanding misunderstandings around their diagnosis.
Investment in the two new posts will help to further enhance and sustain the positive impact of the service.
