Early intervention programme with schools reduces waiting times for patients

Since December 2024, Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust’s overall Referral to Treatment (RTT - the length of time a patient waits from the moment a healthcare professional refers them to a specialist until they start their treatment) performance has continued to improve, keeping the Trust ahead of the national target of 65% compliance by March 2026.

Children’s Speech and Language Therapy services have also seen significant progress, reaching a new milestone. As of December, no child is waiting more than 52 weeks for support, and the number waiting over 40 weeks continues to fall. The waiting time for 0-5 ASD assessment has also met the 52 week target.

By working closely with schools and early years settings, the Trust’s early-intervention programme has reduced lengthy waits and is helping children access support sooner improving outcomes across Shropshire.

Jo Williams, Group Chief Executive of Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, says:

“Our early‑intervention work with education partners is already transforming the experience for local families. We are determined that children and families get the help they need sooner, giving them the best start in life and in the crucial formative years of education. We are proud of our progress, however we remain humble and know there is much more we need to do to further improve waiting times for everyone. We are grateful for the care and dedication shown by our colleagues.”

The Trust remains committed to maintaining and building on these improvements.

Jo Williams added:

“We are determined to keep this momentum going. Our focus now is on sustaining these improvements and continuing to reduce long waits so that everyone receives timely, high-quality care.”