From stroke survivors to back pain sufferers: NHS at a breaking point

Expert calls for urgent action to bring life-changing technology to patients

 

New data from a YouGov survey for Healthwatch reveals that 24% of patients in England – equivalent to 10.7 million people – have experienced poor NHS care in the last 12 months. With complaints against the NHS rising to an all-time high of 241,922 in 2023/24, a 38% increase since 2013/14, and 20% of patients fearing that complaining would negatively affect their treatment, the scale of the challenge is clear.

 

These figures highlight a system under immense strain, leaving patients with some of the most common and debilitating conditions, such as back pain and strokes, without adequate support. Research from Alvica Medical reveals that one in four stroke survivors in the UK fails to make a full recovery due to gaps in rehabilitation, while 19% of UK adults have become reliant on pain medication for neck or back pain, often because they are unable to access long-term solutions. The escalating crisis has highlighted the urgent need for advanced technologies to reach NHS frontlines, bridging critical gaps and easing pressure on the healthcare service.

 

Victoria Fransen, co-founder of Alvica Medical, said:

“The findings in this report are heartbreaking because they represent real people – people whose health and quality of life have been severely affected, sometimes permanently, by the immense challenges facing the healthcare system. Stroke patients are left waiting for the rehabilitation they need to regain independence, while back pain sufferers are forced to rely on painkillers to cope.

 

“There are two key issues here. Funding is absolutely at the heart of the problem, but what’s often overlooked is the complexity of introducing new technologies into the healthcare system. Lengthy approval processes and budget constraints mean that potentially life-saving, proven technology still faces significant delays before they can reach patients. This leaves millions stuck waiting for care, often seeing their health deteriorate in the meantime.

 

“Tools like our rebless device, which supports stroke and musculoskeletal recovery, and reLounge, designed to tackle back pain without the need for medication, can help patients be seen more quickly and recover more effectively. Yet the barriers to adoption are slowing their impact.

 

“We must address these challenges head-on by ensuring healthcare workers and the wider system have access to the resources and technology they need. The solutions to deliver real, measurable improvements to patients’ quality of life already exist – now it’s about making sure they reach those who need them most, before more patients are left behind.”

 

Alvica Medical’s rebless device enables robotic-assisted recovery for musculoskeletal and stroke patients from the comfort of their homes. Controlled via an app, it allows patients to track progress, adjust resistance, and engage with healthcare professionals remotely. By enabling recovery at home, rebless not only reduces the burden on NHS services but also empowers patients to achieve better outcomes on their own terms.

 

reLounge is designed to tackle back pain at its root, offering a clinically proven, non-invasive alternative to painkillers. By integrating therapies such as electronic muscle stimulation (EMS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), soothing heat therapy, and deep massage, reLounge provides effective relief while addressing the underlying causes of pain. This innovative approach is helping patients manage their recovery without relying on medication, reducing the risk of dependency and supporting long-term health outcomes.