To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to the Stoke Action Plan, (i) whether all eligible patients fulfilling criteria for early supported discharge (ESD) are offered therapy as per guidelines of 45 minutes per discipline available five days per week; and (ii) whether 40 per cent of stroke admissions are discharged to ESD.

Targets within the Stroke Action Plan including those listed above, were caveated that additional resource in a challenging financial climate would be required in order to deliver. Whilst ESD is available 5 days per week in all Trusts except Northern Health & Social Care Trust, which requires funding to implement, there is insufficient capacity to offer therapy as per the guidelines shown. Patients are therefore triaged and innovative ways such as group sessions, put in place to maximise activity within funding available.

Recent SSNAP date indicated 55% of patients discharged alive following a stroke were discharged to a stroke specific Early Supported Discharge team. This percentage is liable to fluctuation.