A MAJOR review of stroke care saw Warrington receive the lowest possible rating in two out of 15 key areas.

The report, published by the Care Quality Commission, scored each PCT on the support they give patients using a one to five scale, one being the worst.

NHS Warrington came bottom of the pile for providing extra support so stroke sufferes can leave hospital and return home as soon as possible and in helping people survive the condition and stay healthy for up to one year after.

As a result Warrington North MP Helen Jones, who is chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Stroke Group, has called for additional resources in these areas.

She said: “The Government has stated its desire for more people to be treated in the community rather than in hospital, but the CQC report has shown that in many cases the right services do not always exist to support stroke victims.

“The health secretary has acknowledged this and pledged more funding for after care. I will do my upmost to ensure that pledge is kept and that Warrington receives its fair share.”

The trust gained top marks in helping patients take part in family life and leisure activities, for providing a range of information to people who have had a stroke and helping people choose which services they want.

The overall findings of the report showed the extent to which patients are supported in coping with life after stroke varies significantly across England.

Although the report highlighted some good services built around individuals, their family and carers, the north east and south west of England being particularly good, the CQC found that this approach was far from universal.

The report showed that rehabilitation services after transfer home from hospital were inconsistent across the country and people in some areas had little or no access to specialist community based rehabilitation.

The commission also discovered that only two-thirds of PCTs commissioned specialist stroke physiotherapy and less than 40 per cent of areas provided good access to psychological therapy or stroke counsellors.