In response to the Summary Report and the new national improvement programme, RCPCH Officer for Wales Dr David Tuthill said:
I’m delighted to finally see the publication of the Paediatric colleagues have consistently highlighted the pressures within their services and the impacts these have on neurodivergent people and their families.
Some of the key points made in this report echo points those we have made over the years, especially the urgent need for more resources. Therefore, , is very much to be welcomed.
Another point we have frequently made, also recognised by the report authors, is that we should move to a more person-centred and needs-led approach, with integrated services. We again welcome the Minister’s response that ‘services should be based on need rather than led by diagnosis’. This is a huge step forward in how we think about delivering vital services for neurodiverse people in Wales.
The three workstreams proposed cover key themes that are vital in driving forward the reforms we need, including developing a workforce strategy, improved data collection and monitoring and making the best use of digital opportunities to support services in the future; as well as taking immediate action to provide additional support to reduce pressures in the here and now.
The crucial thing now is about delivery. We hope there will be clear governance and accountability in delivering this new programme, along with robust evaluation in order to ensure it has impact we all hope to see.