We would like to reduce the waiting time for young infants and children by further developing a new model of service called Single Consultations. These consultations would be a half a day appointment rather than our standard blocks of ten shorter sessions, which are considerably more expensive to fund. They would provide a brief assessment of the child, specialist therapy for an hour, access to support for the family and a home programme and often, hope for the future.

If children who have cerebral palsy do not receive early intervention in the treatment and management of their condition, preferably within the first 6 months, the consequences can affect them in the long term. It often takes time for young infants and children to be referred to us through the usual Local Health Board channels. This means that many months may be lost where the child could have received specialist input at a time when the brain is still developing.

This service will help young infants and children receive therapy as early as possible in their young lives. Whilst there is no cure for the condition, we know that Bobath therapy can positively alter its progression, and manage the problems it presents, thus enabling both the children and their families to experience a better quality of life, with increased independence and self-esteem, and ability to integrate as fully as possible into the community around them.