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20 August 2026

Board visit highlights outstanding work of Speech and Language Therapy Team

The Children's Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) team recently welcomed Chief Information Officer, Sarah Buchan, as part of an ongoing programme of Board visits designed to provide senior leaders with first-hand insight into services across the Trust.

The visit was hosted by Speech and Language Therapist, Sarah Hamilton, who gave Sarah Buchan the opportunity to observe clinic appointments, meet families and gain a deeper understanding of the crucial role the service plays in supporting children with speech, language, and communication needs.

During the visit, Sarah observed three clinical appointments and saw the positive difference speech and language therapy makes to children and their families. She praised Sarah and the team for their expertise, compassion, and ability to create a supportive environment that enabled children to engage confidently in assessments and interventions.

Reflecting on the visit, Sarah Buchan said; "Watching Sarah work with children and families highlighted her expertise, patience and ability to put both children and parents at ease. She is a fantastic ambassador for the service and her passion for supporting children to reach their full potential was evident throughout the visit."

The visit also provided valuable insight into the breadth and complexity of the work undertaken by the team. From adapting communication approaches to meet individual needs, to supporting families through key stages of their child's development, the service demonstrated a holistic and tailored approach to care.

Sarah Buchan was particularly impressed by the strong relationships built between clinicians, children, and their families, as well as the team's commitment to achieving positive outcomes despite any operational challenges they may face.

She commented: "What stood out most was the highly personalised approach taken with each child and family. Parents were actively involved throughout, helping to build understanding, confidence and partnership in supporting their child's development."

The visit also highlighted how digital tools and specialist resources can support staff to deliver the very best care. Discussions took place around opportunities to further enhance service delivery, including improving access to clinic space, assessment resources, and digital equipment to support children’s engagement and communication needs.

Importantly, the visit reinforced the significant impact the team has across the communities it serves. Evidence of children's progress was clearly demonstrated through patient records, assessments, and recordings, showcasing the life-changing difference early intervention can make.

Summing up her visit, Sarah Buchan said: "Overall, I came away with an even greater appreciation of the expertise, compassion and dedication within the speech and language therapy service. The Board can be assured that this is a skilled, compassionate and committed team delivering high-quality care and making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families."

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