ABSTRACT
Speech and language delay is one of the commonest reasons for concern amongst parents of preschool children, and a survey of speech and language therapy (SLT) contact data shows that children take up 56 per cent of the total available provision (van der Gaag et al., 1999). Not surprisingly, the demand for SLT resources outstrips their supply and service managers have had to be creative in using resources efficiently and effectively. Historically, waiting lists for SLT have tended to be long in many areas of the UK, potentially resulting in long waits for children with urgent needs. Although the impact of waiting lists for parents and children can only be surmised, it may potentially affect their relationship with therapists where parents are highly anxious or make a complaint. It seems that waiting for therapy may be very stressful for parents and causes concern to practitioners and managers.
