Stroke Association's response to the new NICE stroke rehabilitation guidance

Dr Maeva May, Associate Director for Policy and Research at the Stroke Association, said: “We warmly welcome today’s announcement that NICE are recommending an increase in rehabilitation therapies for people who are recovering from stroke. Sadly, stroke is still a leading cause of adult disability, and it has wide-ranging impacts so it’s vital that every stroke survivor gets the support they need to give them the best chance of recovery.

“Research shows that frequent and more intense rehabilitation leads to better recovery following a stroke but many stroke survivors only receive a fraction of what these guidelines suggest. There are also unacceptable differences in access to and the provision of guideline levels of rehabilitation - this leaves many without support and limits improvement post-stroke.

“Every stroke is different and so is every recovery, so stroke survivors must receive person centred support for as long as they need it, so they can regain their independence and rebuild their lives after stroke.

“It’s vital that governments act urgently to address staffing issues across health and social care and within rehabilitation services and share detailed plans to support and resource them, so that these recommendations can become a reality.”