Fewer than 1 in 15 stroke survivors are getting the amount of therapy the NHS should provide to maximise their chances of recovery, a report has revealed.
The figure was a “damning” indictment of the widespread lack of rehabilitation for patients, which was hindering their chances of regaining physical and mental function, the Stroke Association said.
The finding is disclosed in the latest annual report of the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP), which is based on stroke care data from hospitals in the three countries.
Almost 100,000 people a year in the UK have a stroke. It is the single largest cause of complex disability and can leave survivors struggling to walk, talk or swallow. The ageing population, and an increased number of people with high blood pressure or diabetes, could cause the annual figure to rise to 115,483 by 2030.
All stroke patients should get three hours of physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy to help them recover from the brain injury they have suffered, whether they are still in hospital or have returned home to continue their rehabilitation.
That is set out in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines intended to guide NHS practice in England and Wales. They are also followed in Northern Ireland.
However, during January to March this year – the latest figures available – only 6.4% of patients received that amount, down from the 7.5% who did so in October to December 2024.
Source: The Guardian, 9 November 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment