The study conducted by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) also identified that a fifth of health trusts cannot offer patients support for the physical effects of their brain injury until at least 13 weeks after their stroke, while that wait is extended to 18 weeks in 4% of trusts.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway – the brain injury association, said the delays can significantly impact the long-term prognosis of the patient.
“The findings of this research are a matter of grave concern,” said Peter. “It is vital that all patients who sustain acquired brain injuries – whether from a stroke, tumour, trauma or any other cause – have early access to specialist acute neurological rehabilitation.
“The consequences of missing out on specialist rehabilitation, both for the individual and their family – can be significant. There is clear medical consensus that the sooner a patient has access to specialist neurological rehabilitation following an acquired brain injury, the better their long-term prognosis.
“It is vital that all health trusts recognise the importance and long-term saving costs of ensuring all such patients are given access to specialist rehabilitation at the earliest possible opportunity.
“Doing so can increase the chances of a patient regaining a degree of independence and being less reliant on long-term state support.
“Put simply, a life worth saving has got to be a life worth living."
You can read the full report on the CSP website.
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