Teign MP Shows Support For Campaign To Improve Physiotherapy

Teign MP Richard Younger Ross is supporting a national campaign to help improve access to physiotherapy for stroke survivors. The MP attended a reception in Parliament to mark the launch of the 'Moving On' campaign by The Stroke Association and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

The campaign aims to emphasise the importance of physiotherapy for stroke survivors after they are discharged from hospital.

Richard Younger Ross MP commented:

"Every year in the UK 150,000 people have a stroke and it's the leading cause of adult disability. Physiotherapy can help survivors with their recovery and I'm pleased to support the 'Moving On' campaign to highlight the positive affects of post-hospital physiotherapy."

He continued "This is a subject close to my heart. Both my father and my father-in-law suffered strokes. Sadly my father died but through good physiotherapy my father in law recovered from a very severe stroke and went on to live another 7 years."

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association said:

"Contrary to public belief, people can recover after a stroke and physiotherapy plays a key part in helping survivors regain mobility and get back to normal activities. Rehabilitation can make a huge difference to stroke survivors' recovery, so we must ensure that everyone receives physiotherapy if they need it, both in hospital and when they get back into the community."

Said Phil Gray, Chief Executive of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy,

"Our members are frustrated that they can't always deliver the outcomes that stroke survivors want to achieve. It's important that commissioners use resources as effectively as possible to achieve a high quality post-hospital stroke care pathway. We believe more can be done to improve stroke care in the community and we have developed new guidance to help commissioners."

ENDS

Note: Pictured in the photo is Rhoda Allison, clinical lead for the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at Newton Abbot Hospital, Richard Younger-Ross MP and Anna Sands, a stroke survivor and one of Rhoda's patients.

Rhoda Allison runs a specialist clinic for people with spasticity and long term complex physical needs. She is an active researcher as well as maintaining teaching commitments. The South Devon Stroke Service was awarded the Health and Social Care Award for Improving Access in 2007 in recognition of how the service had been improved at all aspects of the patient journey.