LOCAL preschool educators have launched a passionate defence of the visiting speech pathology service that provides a vital service to young children at some Macleay Valley preschools.
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At present the service is funded with federal government money by the Medicare Local Network.
This will end on June 30, when the Medicare Local Network ceases to operate and becomes the Primary Health Network on July 1.
Beyond that date the future of the visiting speech pathologist service is in uncertain.
The supporters are led by Debbie Dillon from the Lower Macleay Preschool at Smithtown, and supported by the teacher-directors of not-for-profit preschools at Willawarrin, Crescent Head, South West Rocks and Stuarts Point.
“The benefits of having the speech pathology service come to us and work with the children, the parents and the preschool staff in a familiar, comfortable environment are immense,” Mrs Dillon said.
“Speech and communication is vital to a child’s development and education and all the preschools involved see the results.
“The speech pathologist Craig Suosaari is also an incredibly gifted educator who is loved by the kids.
“He is a really positive role model for them and they always look forward to his visits.
“He works with all the kids, not just those who been identified as need in attention, that way the kids learn by imitating their peers.”
Mid North Coast Medicare Local CEO Vahid Saberi acknowledged the importance of the service but said it was likely to be put out for private tender rather than delivered by his organisation.
“It comes down to where we can spend our money most effectively and efficiently to achieve positive health outcomes,” Mr Saberi said.
“The service is a good one and the speech pathologist is a good man who does good work.
“In fact he would be welcome to apply for the tender to run the service when it comes up.
“Medicare local ceases on June 30 and becomes Primary Health Network; part of that process involves reviewing all our programs and determining where our limited amount of money can be best be spent."
