Stroke survivors across the UK are being "failed every day" due to critical gaps in rehabilitation services stemming from severe staff shortages, leading experts have cautioned.
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 other essential support personnel.
Despite national guidelines recommending three hours of therapy-based rehabilitation five days a week for stroke patients, current data paints a grim picture.
The CSP and ACPIN highlight that individuals typically receive rehabilitation for only three to four days weekly while in hospital, a figure that plummets to just one or two days once they return home for community support.
This alarming disparity is underscored by a national survey of stroke physiotherapists, encompassing 159 NHS services nationwide.
The findings reveal widespread workforce deficits impacting crucial areas such as community stroke services, acute stroke teams, and broader community rehabilitation provision.
Findings from the 2025 Stroke Physiotherapy Workforce Survey suggest there are 26% fewer physiotherapists than national guidance recommends in community stroke services, acute stroke teams are operating with 15% fewer physiotherapists than recommended, and community rehabilitation support workers are 36% below guidance levels.
Ash James, director of practice and development at the CSP, said: “This data shows that despite record numbers of registered physiotherapists, stroke services in hospitals and the community are unable to deliver the care patients need because they are chronically understaffed.
“Something is going seriously wrong in our health system if the NHS is failing to turn workforce growth into the posts required to meet even the minimum standards for stroke rehabilitation.
“It is deeply concerning that our members are going above and beyond to advocate for their patients and secure the staffing they need, only to have their concerns dismissed.”
Adine Adonis, chairwoman of ACPIN, said: “More people are surviving strokes in the UK than ever before, but survival must be matched with the chance to recover well.
“These findings highlight a stark and urgent gap in the number of physiotherapists and support staff available to provide the specialist rehabilitation that stroke survivors rely on. This is not good enough.
“It is failing people every day and limiting their potential for recovery. We need immediate action to ensure every stroke survivor receives the physiotherapy support they deserve.”
David Stadelman, from Bournemouth, experienced a life-threatening series of events including a stroke, heart failure and major surgery, leaving him unable to sit up, walk or carry out basic daily tasks.
The 73-year-old said: “I couldn’t sit up in bed, brush my teeth or wash myself. I was completely dependent on others.”
After four months in hospital, David was discharged to a care home where he began four months of intensive physiotherapy.
“The physiotherapists were absolutely brilliant. They worked with me four times a week and helped me relearn everything, from taking my first steps, to walking up the stairs so I could eventually go home,” he said.
“They didn’t just treat me, they gave me hope.”
Once home Mr Stadelman turned to a local charity-run rehabilitation group, which he credits with helping him regain independence.
“If I hadn’t found that support, I don’t think I’d be doing half of what I can now.
“I’m walking miles, I’m driving again, I’m getting back to living my life. But that shouldn’t depend on whether you can find or afford something outside the NHS.
“It is very concerning to hear that stroke teams are not adequately staffed to be able to support people in their recovery.”
Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: “Every day in the UK, around 240 people have their lives potentially destroyed by stroke.
“Stroke survivors are at risk of being unable to see, speak, move or even swallow, which has a huge impact on their ability to enjoy a full and independent way of life.
“We know that early and bespoke rehabilitation, coupled with ongoing support, can vastly improve the physical effects of stroke, and therefore also support good emotional wellbeing.
“But there is no escaping the fact that progress to improve the availability and intensity of rehabilitation is far too slow.
“Much greater investment in both people and processes to meet the national guidelines of care are desperately needed to ensure stroke survivors are supported both in hospital and the community for as long as they need it.”
The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.
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