The UK’s first NHS clinic to help those who suddenly find themselves unable to speak, read and write has opened at UCLH with support from UCL.
Aphasia is when a person has difficulty with their language or speech. It's usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain (for example, after a stroke).
The new clinic has featured on the BBC and you can view the clip here.
The National Brain Appeal has committed to raise £600,000 over two years to support the creation of the new, gold-standard service for aphasia at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
The service will provide best-practice care to all suitable adult patients by offering two tailored therapy pathways, one high intensity and one lower intensity.
The programme will be run from Queen Square and led by Jennifer Crinion and Alexander Leff, professors of cognitive neuroscience, speech and language therapist and neurologist respectively.
From left to right Beth Gooding, Speech and language therapist (SLT) Claire Farrington-Douglas, consultant SLT, Nicola Craven, SLT, Makena Peart, therapy assistant (TA), Jenny Crinion, Amy Sherman TA, Jean Rutter SLT, Alex Leff, consultant neurologist
Jennifer said: “Around 350,000 adults in the UK currently suffer post-stroke aphasia requiring speech and language therapy.
“At present, these individuals would usually receive four hours of therapy while in hospital followed up by eight hours once they have been discharged home. However we, like many clinicians and therapists in the field, believe that 12 hours is inadequate to make a meaningful difference.
“The evidence base for increased, and in some cases high-intensity, therapy is clear. Patients can continue to improve their language and communicative abilities with the right dose of tailored therapy - no matter how long ago the brain injury occurred. We expect patients treated through both pathways to make significant gains.”
It is hoped that during the two year programme the service will be able to prove its worth and become a commissioned NHS service.
