Minister for Health launches independent review of autism services
05/09/2007
Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey MLA, today announced the launch of an Independent Review of Autism Services across Northern Ireland.
The independent review will produce recommendations with a view to improve services for children and adults with autism, draw up an action plan and report on its findings by December of this year.
The Independent review group, to be chaired by Lord Maginnis, will comprise five leading professionals from across GB and Ireland. The Review team reflects a relevant range of disciplines, including speech and language therapy, paediatrics, public health and leading researchers.
In welcoming the launch of the Independent Review, the Minister said: “I am extremely pleased to welcome such a wealth of expertise to the Independent Review team. We are extremely fortunate to be able to access the knowledge and skills that the team will bring to this Northern Ireland review.”
The Minister added: “Services to people with autism and their families have been neglected for some time. There are examples of excellent good practice locally, nationally and internationally. I hope the review team will identify and enable us to harness and replicate this good practice across Northern Ireland.
“I look forward to receiving the group’s recommendations and I remain committed to improving services to those with autism and ensuring equality of access to those services throughout Northern Ireland.
“This review is both an opportunity and a challenge for all of us to ensure that all children and adults in Northern Ireland with autistic spectrum disorder will receive the highest standards of services delivered in the most efficient manner.”
In accepting his appointment, Lord Maginnis said: “I am delighted that the Minister has confirmed his personal support and hope that together with my review group colleagues, we can produce an action plan that delivers the best possible outcomes for individuals with autism and their families across Northern Ireland.”
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