07/01/2026
'...Thousands more stroke survivors are being failed simply because there are not enough physiotherapy staff to provide the rehabilitation that enables recovery.
'Our data shows that community stroke services are operating with 25 per cent fewer physiotherapists than national guidance requires, while acute stroke teams are 15 per cent understaffed. As a result many patients are denied the rehabilitation required to reduce disability.
'Stroke care does not end with clot-busting drugs. Without action to address the physiotherapy workforce crisis, avoidable disability will continue long after the acute phase has passed.'
Ash James's letter to the Times following their coverage of the stroke care crisis.
Sir, William Hague writes that βtoo much can be made of how this will embolden Russia and Chinaβ. But he does not mention the loss of prestige and influence