New team to help stroke patients

A new service has been introduced at York Hospital to help stroke patients return home from hospital earlier by enabling them to continue their specialist stroke rehabilitation in their own home. 

The Community Stroke Discharge Team provides specialist early stage rehabilitation and discharge support for people who have had a stroke.

Launched last month, 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.

The new multi-disciplinary team is made up of an Administrator, Consultant, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, a Speech and Language Therapist, a Dietician and Stroke Rehabilitation Assistants.

As well as a reduction in the length of hospital stay, benefits for patients include more patient-centered care delivered within a home environment, improvements in long term recovery and independence in daily activities. 

Ina James, Therapy Team Leader for Stroke, explained: “Around 450 people a year are admitted to York Hospital having suffered a stroke.

“Of these patients a large proportion require rehabilitation. 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.  This service will support patients to lead independent lives.

“We are delighted to have our new team in place and the service up and running. Our aim is that it will improve the long term recovery and quality of life for many stroke patients."

Statistics show that up to 43% of patients with stroke could be eligible for an early supported discharge scheme.

Previously patients admitted to York Hospital would remain in hospital until they no longer required daily help from the rehabilitation team. On discharge they would then be referred to the Community Stroke Team.

Working with other agencies including social services the new Community Discharge Stroke Team will be able to provide patients with a seamless service. 

Patients who are accepted by the team will be contacted within 24 hours of their discharge from hospital with the first assessment taking place within 48 hours of their discharge.

The first phase of the project is to offer the service to patients in the City of York locality with a view to rolling the service out across the whole Trust in the future.

11 April 2014