- Stroke survivors across the UK are being "failed every day" due to critical gaps in rehabilitation services stemming from severe staff shortages.
- The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN) warn that patients’ recovery prospects are "limited" by an acute lack of physiotherapists and essential support personnel.
- Despite national guidelines recommending three hours of therapy five days a week, patients typically receive rehabilitation for only three to four days weekly in hospital, dropping to one or two days once at home.
- A national survey of stroke physiotherapists in 159 NHS services revealed significant workforce deficits, with community stroke services having 26 per cent fewer physiotherapists and acute teams 15 per cent fewer than recommended.
- Experts are calling for immediate action and greater investment to ensure stroke survivors receive the necessary physiotherapy support, highlighting that current understaffing limits recovery potential.
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