Stroke Patients Are Still Losing Out

A survey released today, based on the experiences of stroke patients and their carers, shows that there is a huge variation in stroke care. It also shows how far health services have to improve before they can be seen to provide a reasonable stroke service.

Despite the evidence that treatment in stroke units reduces death and disability by 25 per cent, the majority of patients going into a hospital (68%) were admitted to general wards and only 22 per cent were treated in a stroke unit. Three quarters of patients had a brain scan and only 50 per cent were looked after by staff who had a specific knowledge of stroke.

"Unfortunately, despite the dedication of staff, this survey shows that stroke patients are still losing out," says Eoin Redahan of The Stroke Association, who commissioned the College of Health to carry out the report. "How can you justify staff caring for patients suffering from this country's third biggest killer without giving them all specific training?"

Half of the people surveyed said that stroke patients were looked after by staff who didn't know about stroke. Over a third said that both their medical and nursing care was either average, poor or very poor. One woman wrote, "Care was totally inadequate - my daughter slept on the hospital floor and looked after me - otherwise I'm sure I would have died."

"With the publication in March this year of agreed standards for stroke care in the National Service Framework for Older People, hopefully, the care of stroke patients will significantly improve," Eoin Redahan went on to say.

Unfortunately transfer of care (discharge) arrangements did not fare well either. Four out of ten respondents said patients were not assessed by Social Services before leaving hospital and less than a third said they received a home-care plan. Most patients were left on their own with only 38 per cent receiving a name and emergency number to contact if they needed help.

An alarming 17 per cent felt that their rehabilitation problems were never addressed although half felt they had been addressed as soon as they could be.

"Research has shown that early access to rehabilitation means patients regain mobility and get home quicker. This is what we should be striving for," says Eoin Redahan. "The NSF recognises this and requires rehabilitation is given quicker. However, with the current shortage of therapists this may prove difficult but we remain hopeful."

A similar survey carried out by The Stroke Association seven years ago showed that 60 per cent of stroke patients had problems in getting services, 60 per cent felt they could not look to their GP for advice and only 25 per cent had been visited by a social worker. This latest report shows some improvements but there is still a long way to go.

The report catalogues a long list of problems or issues:- rehabilitation not provided or provided too late; dedicated stroke beds not available when needed; information provision patchy with a fifth saying they didn't get any; carers left alone to cope.

"Unfortunately this report paints a not-so-good picture of stroke services," says Mr Redahan. "We know there are very dedicated staff and hopefully the results will not disillusion them. Staff are asking for training and the opportunity to provide organised stroke care with all professions and agencies working closely together. We're not asking for anything fancy, no expensive drugs. Just plain common sense, training and a determination to fight this country's third biggest killer."

Ends

Notes to editor

1. This survey was carried out by the College of Health in February - April 2001. It involved 2252 patients and carers.

2. It is estimated that the cost to NHS and Social Services budgets of stroke care is over £2.3bn. The comparable figure for heart disease is £1.8bn.

3. The Stroke Association is a national charity. We provide practical support for those who have had strokes and we campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge and prevention of stroke. The Association also funds and promotes research to enhance knowledge of the incidence, prevalence and causes of stroke.

4. The College of Health is a national charity that works with the NHS and voluntary sector to promote patient interests in the NHS.

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