Charity seeks better support and ‘right to rehab’ for stroke patients

Opportunities are being missed to help people rebuild their lives after the diagnosis of a chest, heart or stroke condition, a charity has said.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said around one in five people are not accessing a full range of support services because they do not know what is available to them.

Its survey of more than 1,100 people with the conditions found two-thirds wanted more access to services such as specialist nurses, therapists and social support groups.

The charity is calling on the Scottish Government to commit to supporting measures that would help people “live life to the full” after a diagnosis.

Jane-claire Judson, chief executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said too many people were struggling to cope with the impact of their condition.

She said: “We are urging the Scottish Government to establish a universal ‘right to rehab’ so everyone affected by these conditions can rebuild their lives.

“That means ending the variation in access to NHS rehabilitation services across the country, joining them up with community groups and making sure that everyone has access to a specialist nurse for as long as they need them.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We want everyone to receive the best possible care and treatment from our health and care services.

“Pulmonary rehabilitation is already a key recommendation in our national clinical guidelines. We expect NHS boards to provide high quality care that is safe, effective, person-centred and respects patients’ rights.”