STROKE survivors’ recoveries could be being put at risk due to a lack of rehabilitation therapy after they leave hospital.
The finding comes from the latest Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) report for 2016 to 2017.
It makes for worrying reading as advice from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) suggests survivors should participate in at least 45 minutes of rehab, five days a week.
This will usually include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy to help stroke survivors relearn basic skills such as how to walk, talk and even eat again so they can regain their independence.
Now the Stroke Association is calling on local health commissioners in England to prioritise meeting the recommended standards of rehabilitation therapy to ensure stroke survivors can make their best recovery and rebuild their lives.
Juliet Bouverie, chief executive at the Stroke Association said: “These findings clearly show that the amount of rehabilitation therapy stroke survivors receive once they return home from hospital is woefully inadequate, and jeopardises their recoveries.”
Almost stroke survivors leave hospital with a disability and access to rehabilitation can be life-changing for survivors and their families.
Patients fearing for their futures have resorted to paying for private therapy but the rehabilitation is a necessity.
“It should not be a luxury only available to those who can afford it.”
For more on stroke recovery, visit www.stroke.org.uk/independence or call the helpline on 0303 3033 100.
