Thousands of stroke survivors across the UK are missing out on essential post-stroke care, as the number of patients receiving six-month reviews falls to its lowest level in over six years, according to new data from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme.
Only 35.1% of patients received the recommended six-month review between April 2024 and March 2025, despite stroke being the leading cause of complex adult disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the UK.
The SSNAP data also revealed:
- 64% of stroke survivors struggle with daily activities
- 47% experience anxiety or depression
- 62% face mobility challenges
These figures highlight the urgent need for consistent, high-quality rehabilitation and recovery support, as outlined by NICE guidelines and national clinical standards.
The Stroke Association also raised concerns about thrombectomy, a clot-busting procedure that can significantly reduce disability. Fewer than half of eligible patients are receiving it, with access still subject to a postcode lottery.
The charity attributes the shortfall in care to NHS workforce pressures and vacancies across multidisciplinary teams. It hopes the upcoming NHS Workforce Plan will address these gaps and ensure stroke survivors receive bespoke, long-term support.
CEO of the Stroke Association, Juliet Bouverie OBE, commented:
“Stroke changes a person’s life in an instant with far-reaching repercussions for many. It requires treatments including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and mental health support. The fact that 65% of stroke survivors don’t get this is truly shocking and demonstrates the dire state stroke treatment and ongoing care is in.
“As around 90% of strokes are preventable, we also need the public to know how to reduce their risk of stroke by exercising regularly, eating healthily, not smoking, and monitoring alcohol intake. This all helps regulate blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke.
“Stroke must be prioritised by Governments and the NHS from prevention to diagnosis, treatment and long-term recovery. Only then will stroke patients get the treatment they need, whenever they need it, so the increasing number of UK stroke survivors can live mentally and physically well.”
A recent survey released on World Stroke Day also found:
- 64% of the public didn’t know stroke is the UK’s leading cause of complex adult disability
- Only 19% believed survivors need long-term rehabilitation
- 60% of stroke survivors are left with a disability
- 30% said recovery took longer or was worse than expected
With 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK, the Stroke Association is calling for urgent action to improve post-stroke care and raise awareness of the lifelong impact of stroke.
Image credit: iStock
