Concerns over stroke rehabilitation access

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Published: 30 Mar 2010
Author: Matthew Limb

Stroke patients face a 'post-code lottery' in accessing community rehabilitation services, a report by MPs said today.

The Commons Public Accounts Committee said many stroke survivors were still struggling to obtain follow-up care and lacked effective support after leaving hospital.

The PAC said the government had acted to improve stroke services since its first report in 2006 highlighted serious shortcomings across the whole care pathway.

Acute hospital response shows considerable improvement

The acute hospital response had improved considerably but there were still problems including unacceptably wide variations in how quickly patients received a brain scan.

The PAC noted the government had set aside funds for three years from 2008 to allow local authorities to pump-prime investment in long-term support.

But it warned there was a risk that , 'once the funding ends, even the current level of provision would not be sustained.'

The PAC called for commissioners to ensure more early supported discharge schemes in hospitals which provide 'better outcomes' for many patients.

Earlier access to better services

CSP chief executive Phil Gray said the PAC's concerns over access to rehabilitation tallied with recent research conducted jointly by the Society and the Stroke Association.

He said: 'This latest report confirms that too many stroke survivors are being failed at every stage of the system - and particularly in the community. This does not bode well for their recovery.

'It’s important that all parts of the health service are using resources effectively and equitably to ensure these patients, wherever they live, receive a high quality care pathway.'

No post-code lottery

A spokesman for the Stroke Association said: 'Great progress has occurred in stroke care but there are still some areas where progress is too slow. Comparisons between London and Grimsby reveal perhaps the commitment and resources that have been put into London’s reconfiguration of care. We urge every part of the health service to speed up improvements to ensure everyone gets the treatment they deserve no matter where they live.'

Related Links
		House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts 'Progress in improving stroke care'