Patients who survive stroke often fall into a “black hole” after acute treatment thanks to Australia’s disjointed health and disability sectors, rehabilitation experts warn.  

The researchers say, while recent innovations — such as stroke-equipped ambulances, improved delivery of thrombolysis and acute stroke units — are improving stroke survival, the reality is many patients will require support for the rest of their lives.  

Once patients move from hospital-based to community rehabilitation, they have access to only five annual allied health sessions subsidised through GP chronic disease management plans. 

This does not cover their ongoing needs, such as regular check-ups and lifestyle support, with many falling through the cracks between the health, disability and aged care systems, the researchers write in a commentary in The Medical Journal of Australia.