Disease victims 'suffer in silence'

The trust says many do not get suitable care afterwards

Thousands of people could be suffering lasting effects of meningitis without support, a new report warns.

The Meningitis Trust says a lack of understanding about the long-lasting effects of the disease means many sufferers leave hospital and are forced to cope alone.

There are 4,000 new cases of meningitis each year with around 600 patients suffering severe after effects.

The Stroud-based trust, which was set up as a charity to give advice and support to families affected, estimates up to 20,000 people may not have been given the support they need to deal with the after effects.

Philip Kirby, the trust's chief executive, said: "People are leaving hospital with very little or no understanding of the disease or the effect it can have on their lives.

"Many have come to us, sometimes years later, for support.

"The aftermath of meningitis can be devastating, whether through bereavement or through the emotional or physical after-effects ranging from deafness to depression.

"It's shocking so many are suffering in silence."