Stroke patients require more support

People who have suffered strokes need more emotional and physical support after returning home, said Anna Walker, chief executive of the Healthcare Commission today.

The commission has published a new report calling for improved community and hospital services for stroke patients.

Community care for stroke patients after they leave hospital is “not as good as it should be,” said Dr Tony Rudd, chair of the Royal College of Physicians’ stroke working party.

“It is vitally important that health and social services continue to work closely together to ensure that these individuals get the care and support they need and deserve,” added Walker.

The satisfaction patients feel about their care declines after leaving hospital, the report found.

Almost half of those with emotional problems a year after having a stroke said they had not received enough help and 54 per cent of those who said they needed home support did not receive the help they wanted. The commission says that aftercare is crucial for survivors.

Stroke affects large numbers of people causing 10 per cent of all deaths in England. Over 850 stroke patients took part in the study.

Download Caring for people after they have had a stroke

<HTTP: A caring