NHS issues warning as stroke cases surge in the UK

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Chris Steele

Founder and Editor

The crisis

A recent NHS England analysis highlighted the rising strain the public healthcare sector is under, as figures reveal an alarming 28% increase in the number of people admitted to hospital following a stroke over the last 20 years. The data also shows a 55% increase among those aged between 50-59, the highest among any age group. The increases are thought to be fuelled by various factors including an aging population, an increase in obesity, and better detection and reporting.

The news comes as the Sentinel Stroke National Audited Programme (SSNAP), the nation’s largest stroke audit, found thousands of patients may be missing out on both innovative treatments and basic care.

The decline in basic care treatments

The research gathered by the SSNAP indicated that some basic care treatments may even be worse now than 10 years ago, with the percentage of people being admitted to a specialist stroke unit within four hours of hospital arrival lying at 46.7% in 2023/2024, compared to 58% in 2013/2014. According to the charity, Stroke Association, these figures are concerning as the time spent waiting could significantly increase the likelihood of long-term disabilities and poor health among stroke survivors.

The figures also revealed that the deployment of innovative new treatments, such as thrombectomy, is falling behind targets. Thrombectomy, a life-changing procedure in which blood clots are removed from the brain using a wire and stent, is only thought to be accessible for 4.3% of the UK’s population according to the SSNAP. This is well below the NHS’s 10% target for 2027/28.

The impact on treatment

Phil Woodford, 53, a stroke survivor and former NHS Director from Preston, detailed how, whilst he could receive a drug treatment called thrombolysis, he could not receive a thrombectomy as his local hospital didn’t provide the service on weekends.

“My life changed overnight; it took four months of rehabilitation in the hospital and then another four months until I could return to work. My stroke caused musculoskeletal problems, pain, and weight gain… Whilst there’s no guarantee, if I had a thrombectomy, I may not be living with these disabilities." Woodford said. It is these disabilities that later led to Woodford’s early retirement.

Speaking at an event for mechanical thrombectomy awareness in September, NHS medical director, Sir Steven Powis, noted the remarkable nature of the treatment, but admits the pandemic impeded the rollout.

“It's one of the most effective clinical interventions that we have in medicine, to see somebody come in with a severe disability and then shortly after the procedure be able to walk out of hospital – as often happens- a day or two later is really remarkable.”

The impact on recovery services

Figures also revealed a decline in the amount of time spent in some vital recovery treatments such as occupational, physio, and speech and language therapy over the last five years. According to the Stroke Association, such developments could reflect cuts to after-stroke support services by the NHS.

Speaking on the issue, Juliet Bouverie OBE, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, emphasised that despite a dedicated workforce, factors such as increased waiting times and lack of staff are putting patients' recoveries at risk.

“Patients have been battling what feels like a permacrisis in our healthcare, which has been blighting NHS care for long enough- governmental change is long overdue, and the 10-year health plan is an ideal opportunity to ensure everyone who has a stroke can survive and live well,” Bouverie says.

Looking forward

As we look ahead towards the future of the UK’s stroke management, many healthcare commentators have highlighted the importance of preventative measures such as promoting healthy lifestyles and providing regular blood pressure checks. Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, shared his views on the new NHS figures:

“Prevention will always be better than cure. Not only because it means helping people to live well for longer but also because a healthy workforce supports our growth mission...We will deliver the investment and reform needed to turn the NHS around, which includes shifting the focus of healthcare from treatment to prevention part of our 10-year plan”.

For more information on stroke prevention and available treatment options, see the articles below:

Strokes can be debilitating and need immediate medical attention for optimal treatment and recovery. In the UK, health insurance may offer a wider range of treatment options, and shorter waiting times. Every provider offers different levels of health insurance cover, so make sure to do your research before committing to a policy. Have a look at myTribe’s guide on the best private health insurance providers in the UK for 2024 to explore some of the options available.