Major variations in community stroke rehab - Stroke Association comments

An audit of services by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy shows that many stroke patients have to wait weeks to see a physiotherapist to continue their rehabilitation, which potentially stalls their progress and could potentially risk a deterioration in their condition.

Dominic Brand, Director of External Affairs at the Stroke Association, said: “This latest audit from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists is extremely concerning. Major strides have been made in the way stroke is treated in hospital; however it is clear that far too many stroke survivors are going without the right support to begin their rehabilitation.

“Stroke survivors regularly tell us that they have had to wait weeks – and in some cases months – for the support and therapy they need to rebuild their lives. For too many people, their support comes too late, it stops too soon, or they don’t have access to all types of therapy they need.

“We are urging the Government to commit to a new national stroke strategy for England. It’s the only way stroke survivors and their loved ones will continue to have the right support and care when they need it most.”