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Blair ‘to keep eye’ on language unit
PRIME Minister Tony Blair told Parliament yesterday (Wednesday) he is keeping a close eye on the Royal Free Hospital’s plans for a speech and language specialist unit.
The Nuffield Speech and Language Unit is based in Ealing but is run by the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead. It has faced closure for several months with Royal Free chief executive Andrew Way mulling over whether funding for the unit has been worthwhile. A major sticking point has been the number of referrals actually being made to the unit. Mr Way has now indicated that a decision to shut the service should be reviewed.
The Royal Free Board will discuss the issue at a meeting tonight (Thursday).
Mr Way said: “I propose that the Board should review its decision to close the unit and ask the executive to secure the financial base for the unit for the forthcoming academic year.”
But, even before the latest board meeting, Mr Blair was yesterday (Wednesday) asked to intervene.
The Prime Minister told the House of Commons yesterday (Wednesday): “The staff at the Nuffield Speech and Language Unit have a good track record providing intensive speech and language therapy to children with severe learning difficulties. The future unit is currently under consultation.
“I’m sure that the Royal Free Hampstead Trust will listen to all the views expressed before making a final decision.” |
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