Speech and Language Therapy lecturers recognised for supporting next generation

Two Speech and Language Therapist Lecturers have been recognised for their exceptional work in supporting and encouraging the profession’s future workforce.

Lauren Salisbury, Prifysgol Wrecsam/Wrexham University’s Speech and Language Therapist Professional Lead, and Nick De Mora-Mieszkowski, Senior Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy, were presented with their awards at the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists’ Wales Hub Day.

The day provides an opportunity for Speech and Language Therapy colleagues from across the country to come together to celebrate the profession, as well as share best practice and knowledge.

They were each nominated by Speech and Language Therapy colleagues from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

In Lauren’s nomination she is praised for creating a “truly collaborative learning opportunity for the future workforce”.

The nomination states: “We would like to thank Lauren for her exceptional work in establishing the Speech and Language Therapy course here in North Wales. Feedback from Health Education Improvement Wales and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in the accreditation process was extremely positive.

“Since the commencement of the course, Lauren has worked tirelessly with us in BCUHB, along with her small and growing team to establish a truly collaborative learning opportunity for our future workforce of Speech and Language Therapists.

“We couldn’t be more proud or grateful.”

Nick’s nomination highlights his knowledge on dysphagia – which relates to difficulty swallowing.

His nomination said: “Nick has been the Wales and academic representative on the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists pre-registration eating drinking and swallowing competencies.

“He is the go-to person for all things dysphagia related and is extremely proactive in keeping the whole team up to date on any changes in professional practice or latest evidence base – everyone in North Wales benefits from this and we are really proud to have him as part of our team, and his role in Wrexham University.”

Speaking after receiving the award, Lauren said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Nick and I have been recognised in this way by colleagues, particularly as we – and the rest of our team – are hugely passionate and totally dedicated to encouraging and supporting the next generation of Speech and Language Therapists, as well as do all we can to celebrate the profession.

“For us, this rounds off a wonderful first year of the Speech and Language Therapy degree here at Wrexham University. We’re immensely excited for our next cohort of students to join us.”