Bermuda’s speech therapists have been honoured for their dedication and service to the community.

The Department of Health’s Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) team were recognised at a ceremony at Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo on Wednesday.

Dr Derrick Binns, Secretary to the Cabinet, said: “The SLP team is increasing the capacity of every citizen to achieve optimal health and well-being through their entire life journey, from conception through to old age.

“It is recognised that the Speech Language Pathology team is working on many fronts to improve collaboration with parents, caregivers, and educators to provide greater clarity on intervention goals and quantify the therapeutic needs of clients.

“In short, they are helping to raise the capacity of Bermudians to live better lives.”

The ceremony was held to mark the team winning the Best of Bermuda award for Best Government Service.

Last year, early intervention speech and language screening clinics assessed 112 clients, while 500 incoming P1 pupils also received assessments.

Several workshops have also been held in the past year for teachers and parents.

David Kendall, director of the Department of Health, said: “It is commendable that waitlists and waiting periods for initial assessment have been reduced.

“I wish to congratulate the SLP team for all of their hard work, which has clearly paid off as evidenced by this prestigious award.”

The SLP therapists specialise in communication and swallowing disorders, as well as cognitive disorders.

Their patients include children with cleft palates or neurological deficits, people who have had strokes, or those with language impairment.

Treatment programmes include communication therapy and aids as well as oral and facial exercises.