Stroke patients not getting speech support therapy
Published: 18 June 2008
Nine out of 10 stroke patients with speech problems are not getting help after discharge from hospital, according to the Stroke Association.
The charity runs most of the communication support therapy services for the NHS.
They report that only 1,300 people are accessing the care in England, out of about 50,000 people a year who are left with a communication disability following a stroke.
The situation was a little better in Wales and Scotland, but improvements could still be made.
Joe Korner of the Stroke Association said: "Whether it's through speaking, a hand gesture or the blink of an eye, the ability to interact with others is crucial. The loss of these basic skills can leave stroke survivors feeling imprisoned and depressed."
Could do better
A Department of Health spokesperson said money was being invested in a range of counselling and support services in the community, but admitted that “long-term support needs to be better co-ordinated."
A DH circular published in May gives information about the scope and purpose of new funding which is being made available to all councils with adult social services responsibilities in England.
Download: Demonstrating how to deliver stroke care for adults in the community (PDF, 195KB).