Younger stroke survivors forced out of the workplace claims a new report

Lack of awareness of the symptoms of stroke and a scarce provision of rehabilitation services is preventing younger stroke survivors from getting back to work, claims a new report by stroke charities The Stroke Association and Different Strokes.

'Getting back to work after stroke' is based on the stories of 30 young stroke survivors struggling to return to work after their stroke. The report describes how strokes are often wrongly diagnosed by both health professionals and the general public, hindering recovery. And even when a stroke is diagnosed and treated, the provision of rehabilitation services is scarce and often unsuitable to assist younger stroke survivors in getting back to the work place.

Joe Korner, Director of Communications for The Stroke Association, comments: 'Stroke is the third biggest killer in the UK and the biggest cause of severe adult disability. It affects people of all ages, not just, as is commonly perceived the older population. In fact, each year, around a quarter of strokes happen to those aged under 65, with around 1000 happening to those under 30.'

'But stroke can be prevented and treated. It is a desperate lack of understanding by the general public and inadequate investment into acute care and rehabilitation that prohibits this. The Government must not let this continue.'

The report highlights the need for stroke to be treated as a medical emergency. The public need to be able to recognise the symptoms of stroke and take action. Once at hospital, health professionals need to be able treat stroke immediately; which includes patients having access to brain scans within three hours of the onset of symptoms to guarantee the most appropriate treatment. Currently less than half of stroke patients receive a scan within 48 hours.

However, even if a stroke patient receives appropriate and timely treatment, rehabilitation is often inadequate and not sufficient for a stroke survivor to make the best recovery. Whilst every individual is different, a stroke survivor is likely to need access to a programme of services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy as well as counselling and support.

Christina Meacham, Chief Executive for Different Strokes, comments 'So many stroke survivors feel abandoned when they go from a situation where there is on-call help and care in hospital to one where they suddenly have to cope alone once discharged. The rehabilitation needs of stroke survivors along with others with long term neurological conditions are covered in the National Service Framework for Long Term Conditions. It states that access to appropriate vocational assessment and rehabilitation with ongoing support is vital to enable patients to regain or remain in the work place. These are very laudable words - but we now need action.'

Stroke costs the economy around £7 billion a year in direct care costs, lost productivity and long term support. The condition leaves around half its survivors with disabilities therefore it is vital to support those who want get back to work in curtailing these costs and to instill a sense of well being and self worth. The report recommends individual care plans for every stroke survivor to meet their specific needs. But, for stroke survivors who want to return to work, there needs to be much more emphasis on vocational rehabilitation.

Joe Korner concludes, 'The fact remains, investment in stroke services is worthless if the public themselves cannot recognise the symptoms of stroke. We urge the public to remember 'FAST'. If someone has Facial weakness, Arm Weakness, and Speech difficulties Test all three and call an ambulance straight away - it is likely to be a stroke.'

For further information please contact the Media team on 020 7566 1500 or email press@stroke.org.uk

Or, contact Different Strokes - Christina Meacham on 07717 223170

Notes to editor

1.Each year over 130,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

2.The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combatting stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

3.Different Strokes is a UK-wide charity run by younger stroke survivors for younger stroke survivors. Different strokes provides all aspects of information on living with stroke and works to help stroke survivors and families to help each other through the provision of exercise classes, an interactive website, and workshops. We also support stroke survivors to contribute and influence government, healthcare professionals and employers in the formulations and implementation of policy.

4.A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

back to top|