May 28 2008
More support needed for stroke patients
May 28: Persons who suffer from stoke related speech problems are left isolated after they get discharged from hospital as according to the campaigners. The NHS through its community support groups led by stroke specialists is helping those with communication problems to regain confidence.
The government showed its willingness to invest more funds to improve service offered by the community support groups. The number of stroke victims is increasing rapidly and one third of the survivors suffer from communication disability as a result of it, this will make the survivors feel depressed.
Only the victims who lost their speaking ability need long term help. The communication support therapy lend by NHS is helping those people to get back to normal life to a certain extent. Through their initiatives they help the patients to improve their speech or learn basic sign language to enable them to communicate easily.
The Stroke Association runs most of the services on behalf of the NHS, found that only 12% of those with severe communication difficulties are utilising the services provided by the NHS. In England just 1,300 people are getting the service. According to charity’s report the situation is better in Scotland and Wales but there is need for improvement.
While commenting on this Joe Korner of the Stroke Association opined that, “Communication is the vital need whether it is through speech or signs, the ability to interact with others is essential. Depriving of this ability will make stroke victims feel low.”
Meanwhile the Department of Health said that proper investment will be made to enhance the counselling and support services to reach more people who are in need.
