Petition urging government to commit to new stroke strategy launched by 'abandoned' Hanworth family

Family from Hanworth backs New Era for Stroke campaign after feeling 'abandoned' during son Jac Rush' rehabilitation

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15:17, 17 MAY 2016
Updated15:20, 17 MAY 2016

Jac Rush from Hanworth had a stroke in December 2014 and his family felt 'abandoned' due to a lack of care

A stroke survivor and his family from Hanworth have backed a campaign to ensure care and support goes beyond hospital doors.

The Stroke Association’s campaign - New Era for Stroke - launched on Tuesday (May 17) will also see the roll-out of a petition urging for signatures, and warning the government that stroke survivors’ recovery will continue to be at serious risk unless they commit to a new strategy.

Jac Rush, 18, was an aspiring footballer at AFC Hayes who dreamed of becoming a professional player , but in December 2014 he suffered a stroke.

While the treatment he received at Charing Cross Hospital was good his parents Rob and Joanne Rush felt ‘abandoned’ after their son was discharged and back in their care at home during his rehabilitation.

They are keen to raise awareness of young stroke sufferers to give people like Jac, who can now only take a few steps and has limited speech, a better chance of healing.

Dad Rob, of Nene Gardens, said: “Since leaving hospital and especially as Jac turned 18 years-old, we felt abandoned by any support that was available after Jac’s stroke.

“I would hate for any person or family to have to go through what we have. Jac’s after care is almost non existent now.”

As part of the new campaign, research undertaken by the charity revealed more than a third (44%) of Londoners feel abandoned when they leave hospital; with almost half (46%) leaving hospital without a care plan and support in place for their recovery.

The survey of more than 1,100 stroke survivors also revealed over half (52%) of stroke survivors in London said they were not contacted by a healthcare professional when they returned home from hospital; while 47% said they did not receive a vital six-month assessment of their health and social care needs.

'A new era for stroke'

In other findings published by the charity survivors rated support services as very poor to poor including 28% of survivors with a physical disability receiving therapy at home; 40% of those with memory problems; and more than half (52%) suffering from depression as a result of their condition.

Jon Barrick, Stroke Association chief executive, said: “These findings are deeply concerning. Currently, too many stroke survivors feel abandoned when they return home as they are not given the right support to begin their rehabilitation.

“Major strides have been made in the way stroke is treated in hospital; however the same is not true when stroke survivors return home.

“No one plans for a stroke, but the government can, and should, ensure that the right care and support is there when people need it most.

“That’s why we’re urging people to sign our petition calling on the government to bring in a new era for stroke.”

The current 10-year National Stroke Strategy for England ends in 2017 has led to improvements in the way stroke is treated in hospital, but has not carried through to support people once they return home.

However the government has said they don’t have plans to renew the stroke strategy, yet over 78% of stroke survivors have said a national plan is needed.

The British Association of Stroke Physicians and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy support the Stroke Association’s call for a new national stroke programme to develop services across the board for stroke survivors.