A report from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme reveals significant gaps in rehabilitation services for stroke patients across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The audit found that only 6.4% of stroke survivors receive the three hours daily of physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. This figure represents a decline from 7.5% in the previous reporting period.
During the first quarter of this year, stroke patients received an average of 40 minutes of therapy, down from the previous quarter. The range of therapy received varied widely, with some patients receiving as little as 15.2 minutes while others received up to 57.3 minutes. Additionally, only 68% of patients continued to receive rehabilitation support after being discharged from hospital.
Approximately 100,000 people experience a stroke annually in the UK, with projections suggesting this figure could reach 115,483 by 2030 due to an ageing population and rising prevalence of conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Stroke is identified as the leading cause of complex disability and can result in long-term difficulties with mobility, communication and swallowing.
The Stroke Association characterized the findings as damning indictment of rehabilitation services. The charity also released analysis indicating that stroke costs the UK an estimated £25.7bn annually, with £13.7bn attributable to social care costs for survivors. Additional societal costs include lost work productivity and welfare expenses.
The Department of Health and Social Care responded by emphasizing NHS efforts to improve stroke care and referencing a 10-year health plan aimed at reducing premature mortality from heart disease and stroke. Officials highlighted ongoing work to increase thrombolysis and thrombectomy intervention rates.
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