Every day in the UK, 240 people wake up to the reality of life after stroke and the complex disability it can bring. 

We know how hard healthcare professionals work to care for stroke patients. But, despite their best efforts, stroke survivors have long been let down by a system that’s both disjointed and under-resourced. They have missed out on opportunities to get the care and support they need to rebuild their lives - that has to stop now.  

There’s real potential for newly announced initiatives to both reduce the number of people who have strokes and also better support the 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK today. Stable and robust community rehabilitation, including vital six-month reviews and personalised care plans via neighbourhood health centres, could stop stroke survivors from being condemned to a life of long-term disability. As nine out of 10 strokes are preventable, smoking and weight management programmes, as prioritised in the Plan, could also reduce a person’s chance of having a stroke.  

As the Plan is implemented, innovations which are already working in parts of the UK could also be rolled out nationally. For example, pre-hospital video triage, which connects paramedics and in-hospital stroke specialists, could improve diagnosis and treatment times, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, and minimise costly delays in care. 

Additionally, we are delighted that the Plan recognises the vital role charities play, so stroke survivors and their loved ones can be signposted straight to the help they need. Here at the Stroke Association, we support survivors and their loved ones across the country to recover and live well physically, mentally, and emotionally.  

But a plan on paper isn’t enough. Real change means real action – and proper funding to make it happen. We also need a strong, joined-up cardiovascular disease plan that puts stroke front and centre – and delivers on the Government’s promise to cut mortality by 25% by 2035.

Read the recommendations we made back in March 2025. You can also read the Government's plan here.

Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive

Juliet joined our charity back in June 2016 and is our Chief Executive. She also co-chairs the Stroke Delivery Programme Board with NHS England and is a member of the NHS Assembly. She is a World Stroke Organisation Board member and Fellow. She was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2020 New Year’s Honours list. Find out more.