A WOMAN whose relative is undergoing stroke rehabilitation in Worcestershire has hit back at claims there is an "appalling lack of speech therapy" available in the county's hospitals.

The Worcester News reported last week how Carl Powell was frustrated that his partner Sheila Singh's recovery from a stroke seven months ago was being held back.

The 59-year-old from Stonearrow Farm in Pinvin said she had received "little or no speech therapy" in either the Cedar ward at Newtown Hospital or the Willow ward in Evesham Community Hospital.

But Margaret Cox, whose cousin's husband Dennis Spencer suffered a stroke five months ago, said she and her family were impressed at the level of care the 82-year-old had received.

"He had no use in his right arm and his speech was affected but they have already got him speaking again and they will not give up on his arm," Mrs Cox, from Owletts Lane in Wick, Pershore said.

She added The Cedar ward at Newtown Hospital, where stroke patients go in the early stages of their illness, was very large with limited staff but that the staff there were always concerned and "did their very best to make the patients comfortable".

"And the stroke unit at Evesham has a wonderful reputation in the medical world," she said.

"We have found everyone concerned with the rehabilitation very helpful, kind and considerate, taking on board not only the patient's needs but the relatives' as well."