Stroke survivors in North West ‘denied recovery’

Stroke survivors across the North West say they are being denied the chance to make their best recovery because of a lack of post hospital care and poor coordination between health and social care services, according to a new national report published today (Tuesday 1 May) by the Stroke Association.

The charity’s report, Struggling to recover, is based on the findings of a UK-wide survey of over 2,200 people affected by stroke. It is estimated that there are approximately 130,000 stroke survivors in the North West.

The report findings reveal that stroke survivors face many barriers in making their best possible recovery:

• Over a third (35%) of stroke survivors in the North West had not received an assessment of their health and social care needs.
• Across the UK, 53% whose stroke occurred in the last three years have received only one assessment.
• Only 38% of those who received an assessment had been given a care plan outlining the services and treatments that would be put in place.

Assessments are the gateway to receiving health and social care services. Without them survivors are missing out on services that are essential to achieving their best possible recovery. The National Stroke Strategy states that people should receive an assessment at 6 weeks of leaving hospital, again at 6 months and then annually.

The report also reveals that in the North West:

• People are the most concerned in England that services will be cut with almost three quarters (73%) stating their worry.
• Almost half (43%) of those receiving services said that health and social care services did not work well together – forcing families and carers to take on the responsibility for coordinating care.
• Almost a fifth (18%) reported services being reduced or withdrawn even though their needs had stayed the same or had increased.

Jon Barrick, chief executive at the Stroke Association 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.”

The Stroke Association is calling for:

• The NHS and local authorities to follow national policy and ensure all stroke survivors have their health and social care needs assessed and regularly reviewed in order to prevent crisis admissions to care homes and hospitals.
• Improved coordination of health and social care services so that stroke survivors and carers can better manage their life after stroke.
• Better training for all those professionals working in social care who come into contact with stroke survivors to better understand stroke and its impact.

Jon Barrick continued: “Commonsense aside, the evidence is clear. Appropriate assessment and provision of services at the right time improves quality of life for stroke survivors and their families. It also saves the tax payer money, as people are less likely to require acute or crisis interventions. Stroke survivors and their families must be properly supported immediately after leaving hospital and in the long term, so they can make better recoveries and get on with their lives.”

The report marks the start on Action on Stroke Month – to find out more go to www.stroke.org.uk/strokemonth