Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 June 2026. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Parkinson's Disease: Speech and Language Therapy

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of reforming the processes of (a) recruitment and (b) retention of the Parkinson’s speech and language therapists workforce.

Answer

No specific assessment has been made. Decisions on the employment of speech and language therapists are a matter for individual National Health Service trusts which manage their recruitment at a local level, ensuring they have the right number of staff in place, with the right skill mix, to deliver safe and effective care.

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we are working closely with NHS England, employers and educators to improve transition into the workforce.

The Government is committed to making the NHS the best place to work to support and retain our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals. The 10 Year Workforce Plan will ensure the NHS has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it and will make sure staff are better treated, have better training, more fulfilling roles, and hope for the future.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
8464
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Recruitment Speech and language therapy Parkinson's disease
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk