Stroke survivors in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are not receiving the recommended amount of rehabilitation therapy. Only 6.4% of patients received the three hours of therapy per day, five days a week, that they are entitled to. The average amount of therapy received was 40 minutes, with some patients receiving as little as 15.2 minutes.
The Stroke Association has criticized the lack of rehabilitation, stating that it is hindering patients' chances of regaining physical and mental function. The charity's report also highlights the significant costs of stroke to the UK, estimated at £25.7bn a year.
The Department of Health and Social Care has not commented on the lack of rehabilitation but emphasized the NHS's efforts to improve care and reduce premature mortality from heart disease and stroke.
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