Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleElla PickoverFriday 03 April 2026 01:26 BSTStroke symptoms to knowStroke survivors across the UK are being "failed every day" due to critical gaps in rehabilitation services stemming from severe staff shortages.The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN) warn that patients’ recovery prospects are "limited" by an acute lack of physiotherapists and essential support personnel.Despite national guidelines recommending three hours of therapy five days a week, patients typically receive rehabilitation for only three to four days weekly in hospital, dropping to one or two days once at home.A national survey of stroke physiotherapists in 159 NHS services revealed significant workforce deficits, with community stroke services having 26 per cent fewer physiotherapists and acute teams 15 per cent fewer than recommended.Experts are calling for immediate action and greater investment to ensure stroke survivors receive the necessary physiotherapy support, highlighting that current understaffing limits recovery potential.In fullUK stroke patients ‘being failed every day’ due to staff shortagesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in