New team helps 132 stroke patients in first six months

The Community Stroke Discharge Team has helped facilitate the discharge of 132 stroke patients since launching six months ago. Of these patients, 46 were supported to leave hospital earlier thanks to the work of the team.

Established in April, the specialist team provides support and rehabilitation to patients at York Hospital who have suffered a stroke, helping them to make the transition from hospital to home, sooner than usual.

In its first six months, the multi-disciplinary team has worked with 132 patients with feedback from patients and staff extremely positive. One patient who was recovering from his second stroke commented that he had noticed a significant improvement in the after care, this time around with a seamless support service from rehabilitation through to arranging a blue disabled badge. 

The work of the team was recently recognised at the Trust’s annual Celebration of Achievement Awards, with Team Leader Ina James scooping the Enhancing Systems and Services Award for developing and leading the new service and team.

The team has also recently had the support of the York Vikings Rotary Club who have donated £1,000 for the team to purchase iPads, so that patients can access speech and language and occupational therapy apps to aid their rehabilitation at home.  

Ina James, Therapy Team Leader for Stroke, explained: “Around 450 people a year are admitted to York Hospital having suffered a stroke.  We have had 132 referrals since we launched the new service in April and we are delighted with the feedback we are having from our patients.

“Early and intensive rehabilitation during the first three months after a stroke is critical in minimising the patient’s disability and improving their recovery.

“Evidence suggests that patients recover more rapidly at home.  It is great to see that this service is achieving what we set out to do - helping support patients to lead independent lives.

“We were thrilled to be recognised with a Celebration of Achievement Award and to have the support of the York Vikings Rotary Club. We hope to develop the service even further over the coming months and are currently working to roll out the service across the whole area served by York Hospital.”  

Peter Acaster, President of York Vikings Rotary Club, said: “The Vikings Rotary Club is pleased to support this innovative initiative to help stroke patients rehabilitate at home.

“The donation has come through the Vikings Community Services Team which along with York Hospital is striving to make a real difference for the people of York.

“The iPads will be loaned to stroke patients as part of their rehabilitation and will assist with visual, speech and language therapy. We are pleased to be able to support this innovative approach by providing the modern technology.”

Pictured above: Peter Acaster (President of York Vikings Rotary Club), Ina James (Therapy Team Leader for Stroke) and Ron Gatenby (Chairman of Community Services for York Vikings Rotary Club).

22 October 2014