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Press release -

Stroke Association comment on new stroke statistics from SSNAP

Charlotte Nicholls, Head of Policy, Stroke Association said: “New stroke statistics from SSNAP highlight the harsh reality of the experiences of the 1.3 million stroke survivors that are rebuilding their lives in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Whilst there have been some improvements in stroke care such as decreases in in-hospital mortality and increased Early Supported Discharge (ESD), it is frustrating to see that progress is not mirrored across the rest of the stroke pathway. Alarmingly, in many areas treatment and care has stalled or even gone backwards in the last six years.

“Progress in rolling out game-changing thrombectomy treatments has stagnated at around 2% - far below the 10% target set out in the NHS Long Term Plan for 2022. And whilst we welcome the expansion of ESD, this is only effective when stroke patients feel ready and are adequately supported into community rehabilitation. All too often we hear from stroke survivors who feel abandoned after they leave hospital, with care varying enormously and access to support a postcode lottery.

“Stroke survivors have complex ongoing needs relating to their mental and physical health following a stroke. But worryingly, few stroke survivors are getting ESD, vital community rehabilitation and psychological support, within the target referral times. Just one third (33%) of community rehab teams meet treatment time targets and almost half (43%) have waits of 15 days or more. Alarmingly, stroke survivors wait on average 10 weeks to see a psychologist. In addition, many stroke survivors do not receive a 6-month review which is essential to assess their progress and identify their support needs. These excessive wait times and lack of follow-up, are putting stroke survivors’ crucial early recoveries at risk at a time they need support the most.

“The stark and wide nature of challenges that are threatening stroke survivors’ recoveries are exposed in these reports. We know that the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing system-wide pressures, but the improvements achieved in other parts of the system highlight the possibilities for advances. We urgently need to make sure stroke survivors get the support they need, regardless of where they have a stroke, so they can live their best lives possible. We want to see a renewed focus on delivering the priorities outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan and improving universal access to stroke prevention, treatment and high quality care.”

Topics


  • Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant.
  • The Stroke Association is a charity working across the UK to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe that everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. From local support services and groups, to online information and support, anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100 to find out about support available locally.
  • Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters. With more donations and support, we can help rebuild even more lives.
  • You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Contacts

Angela Macleod

Angela Macleod

Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
Laura Thomas

Laura Thomas

Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
Ken Scott

Ken Scott

Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
Daisy Dighton

Daisy Dighton

Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
Martin Oxley

Martin Oxley

Press contact Press Officer South of England 0207 566 1548
Vicki Hall

Vicki Hall

Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
Scott Weddell

Scott Weddell

Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
Katie Taylor

Katie Taylor

Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
Out of hours contact

Out of hours contact

Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
Kate Asselman

Kate Asselman

Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
Tell us your story

Tell us your story

Press contact 07799 436008

The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

Stroke Association
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