Stroke patients 'need improved employment services'

5th February 2010

People who have had a stroke require more help with the problems associated to returning to work, it has been suggested.

Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office (NAO), stated that while care for individuals who have experienced a stroke has "significantly improved" over the last five years, more can still be done for disabled employees in this position.

According to Ms Morse, the Department of Health (DH) has a number of key areas in which it should focus to ensure patients receive the most efficient guidance possible.

She remarked: "(DH) should focus on ensuring that health, social care and employment services are working together much more effectively."

However, Ms Morse was quick to point out that the publication of the NAO's report in 2005 seems to have established the correct mechanisms in a range of institutions to boost stroke strategies.

Joanne Murphy, research liaison officer for the Stroke Association, recently stated that the condition is the largest cause of disability in the UK.