"Rehab Ward - Not enough rehab"

Sadly our relative was let down by this rehabilitation ward. They were sent there following a severe stroke. The amount of therapy provided was inadequate to their needs. We were left with the impression that the ward didn't know how to cope with severe-stroke patients. In some ways our relative seemed to get worse, not better, during their stay, a sentiment expressed by other more able patients on the ward, one who said 'nothing happens here'. The worse thing is, we were left with the impression that if your relative does not make a certain amount of progress within a six week period (as many who have had a severe stroke won't) they are written off and told they need to go home or to a care home where they will receive even less therapy, if any. So it seems not only does this ward not provide the adequate therapy itself, it also prevents the patient from being referred somewhere else where they might get more help. Something is very wrong with the approach to stroke rehabilitation on this ward in my opinion - they are too quick to condemn severe-stroke patients to spending the rest of their life in bed (maybe this a reflection of an inadequate national approach to stroke care, or maybe it's just this ward, I don't know). On a positive note, there are some lovely carers, doctors and therapists on the ward (although not all) but there are not enough of them to service the needs of those who can do very little for themselves and who need the most therapy. So overall their efforts are ineffective in rehabilitating those most in need. This ward may be fine for those who need just a bit of therapy but for those that need intensive therapy and more time for rehabilitation this ward is not fine. I hope these comments are helpful to others trying to find the right care for their relatives.