ABSTRACT
Stroke is a common condition affecting approximately 150 000 people every year in the UK, equating to 400-500 people per year in an area served by the average district general hospital. Very few stroke survivors make a complete recovery; 12%–19% are left with speech problems, 25%–30% are unable to walk, 50% have residual weakness and 24%–53% remain dependent on carers for day-to-day activity.1,2 Some 20% of patients will die within 1 month of the stroke and approximately 5% will be admitted to long-term residential care.
