Reversing Declining Care Standards for Stroke Patients: Urgent Call from Charity

Stroke Prevention and Restoration in Taiwan”>Stroke Care Declines: Urgent Action Needed

Ministers are urged to improve care for stroke patients as cases rise, particularly among people in their 50s. The Stroke Association reports that thousands of stroke patients are not receiving the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, which has deteriorated over the past decade.

The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) reveals a 28% increase in hospital admissions for strokes over the last 20 years. The most significant rise, 55%, is seen in those aged 50-59. Contributing factors include obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

Juliet Bouverie, CEO of the Stroke Association, highlights the crisis in NHS stroke pathways. She notes that inadequate staffing, long waiting times, and reduced care standards endanger patient recovery. Basic stroke care, such as timely admission to specialist units, has worsened. In 2023-24, only 46.7% of patients were admitted to a specialist stroke unit within four hours, down from 58% a decade ago.

Patients are spending less time in specialist units. Those spending over 90% of their time in such care dropped from 83.2% in 2019-20 to 75.9% in 2023-24, affecting over 4,400 patients.

NHS England data shows ambulance response times for strokes are also increasing, now averaging over 42 minutes. This delay can lead to significant brain cell loss.

Only 3.9% of stroke patients received thrombectomy in the past year, far below the 10% target set for 2027-28. Although around 20% of stroke patients are eligible for thrombolysis, only 11.6% received this treatment in 2023-24.

The Stroke Association calls for government investment in stroke prevention, including regular blood pressure checks, universal access to acute stroke units, and improved funding for rehabilitation services.

Phil Woodford, a stroke survivor, faced challenges after his stroke eight years ago. He received thrombolysis but could not get a thrombectomy due to lack of weekend service, impacting his quality of life. He shared how his life changed dramatically, requiring extensive rehabilitation and leading to long-term mobility issues.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the gap in support for stroke survivors. The government aims to enhance stroke prevention and improve treatments. Initiatives like workplace health checks and community blood pressure checks are already underway.

The commitment to reform includes a shift towards preventive care as outlined in the upcoming 10-year health plan.