Stroke Association statement on latest Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) report

The seventh report from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP), relates to patients admitted between July and September 2014. The results are available online at the SSNAP Results Portal.

The report shows that 13 stroke services scored an ‘A’ overall for the quality of care they provide for patients. As well as the overall picture of stroke services the data also shows there has been progress made over the last couple of years in terms of the intensity of therapy provided. However, there is still progress to be made particularly in the delivery of Speech and Language Therapy.

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association said:

“Approximately half of people who have a stroke will need of speech and language therapy to help them regain their communication and swallowing skills. The latest SSNAP data shows that stroke units are currently providing only 36% of the level of speech and language therapy that NICE recommends and this needs to improve.

One in three stroke survivors is left with a communication difficulty called aphasia after their stroke. It doesn’t affect their intelligence but it does make it hard for those stroke survivors to speak, read or write. It can have a tremendous impact on their lives and families and often leaves them lonely, frustrated and frightened and cut off from their communities.

Stroke survivors with communication difficulties are being let down, they need access to speech and language therapy to overcome isolation and reconnect with their friends, families and communities.”