Stroke survivors hampered by poor after care

People who have survived strokes say their chances of making a good recovery are hampered by poor care once they leave hospital.

A lack of hospital care and poor coordination between health and social care services is to blame, says the Stroke Association today.

A total of 257 stroke survivors in the South West region took part in a UK wide report for the charity.

The research found that 38 per cent of stroke survivors did not receive an assessment of their needs and just 33 per cent of those who had received an assessment were actually given a care plan as to what services and treatment would be put into place.

Chief executive at the Stroke Association, Jon Barrick said: “More people than ever are surviving a stroke and that’s a welcome improvement. But many stroke survivors tell us that after all the effort to save their lives they then feel abandoned when they return home. The NHS and local authorities are failing in their responsibilities to provide appropriate and timely support to stroke survivors and their families; and the growing evidence of cuts for people currently getting services is very worrying.”