Speech and language therapy for adults in Hackney: an assessment of need

With the development of separate community and the hospital trusts in the London borough of Hackney, at a time of increasing numbers and range of referrals, a number of gaps in service became apparent. The need for community adult speech and language therapy (SLT) in Hackney was identified, based on previous studies and other relevant literature. Comparison with services locally and nationally shows clearly that Hackney, in having virtually no community SLT for adults, is significantly disadvantaged. It was intended that this work would result in the widest consultation and discussion by the relevant agencies to explore ways of meeting this need.