Contracts for Innovation Cymru - Ending Abandonment After Stroke

Description

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in Wales and affects around 7,000 people each year. While survival rates continue to improve, many people experience a significant reduction in support once they leave hospital at a stage when rehabilitation remains critical to recovery and long-term independence. Around 45% of stroke survivors report feeling abandoned following discharge because they do not receive the support they need to recover well. The impact extends far beyond the individual. Variations in access to rehabilitation, follow-up support and community services can lead to poorer outcomes, increased carer burden, avoidable demand on health and care services, and significant societal and economic costs. Stroke currently costs NHS Wales approximately £220 million per year and the wider Welsh economy approximately £1.63 billion annually. Without intervention, these costs ar