Specialist stroke support services being rolled out in Dorset

Paul JonesOctober 28, 20230 Comment0

SPECIALIST stroke support services are being rolled out in Dorset.

Ahead of World Stroke Day on Sunday (October 29), NHS trusts have outlined extra resources being made available to give people the best chance of making a full recovery.

New-look stroke units are on the way in the east and west of the county, while enhanced community rehabilitation services will ensure all local stroke patients have access to expert treatment tailored to their needs.

More than 100,000 people suffer a stroke in the UK each year, which can leave people with partial paralysis, impaired speech, balance and mobility problems, and other life-changing impacts.

Acute hospital services are critical in the first 72 hours to maximise the patient’s chances of recovery but equally important is rehabilitation.

In west Dorset, next year will see the introduction of a “hyper acute stroke service” at Dorset County Hospital, providing 24/7 acute stroke care for the first time.

Patients will be monitored by a team of stroke specialists on the new unit for up to 72 hours or longer, until they are stable enough to be transferred to the hospital’s main stroke unit.

Staff at Dorset County Hospital’s stroke unit

Previously, stroke patients in north and west Dorset have been limited to two weeks of rehab support following discharge from hospital.

Now, a new-look community service means they will receive specialist care to help meet their needs and achieve their goals as quickly as possible.

Provided by Dorset HealthCare, the care is available to people who have just had a stroke or those still struggling with the effects of a stroke in the past.

Any GP, health professional or social care worker can refer people to the service.

Luisa Hardy, Dorset HealthCare’s adult community stroke and neuro services manager, said: “This approach is in line with new national stroke guidelines, and is a huge step forward for people in north and west Dorset.

“People are not passed off between teams, but have their specific needs met by one team of occupational therapists, physios, speech therapists, nurses, psychologists and others who are specially trained in stroke care.

“While we have a dedicate stroke rehab unit at the Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne, our staff also support people in their own homes.”

Meanwhile, in the east of the county, University Hospitals Dorset is expanding the stroke recovery unit at its Royal Bournemouth site, increasing the number of beds to 43, utilising improved facilities and cutting-edge technology such as the Walkerbot – pioneering equipment which helps people relearn how to walk.
Work towards preventing strokes also remains a priority for local NHS services.

Dr Ben Oxley, GP Partner at Poole’s Adam Practice, said: “I would encourage everyone to ensure they limit their chances of suffering a stroke by staying active and having regular blood pressure checks.

“High blood pressure is a major cause of strokes in adults, so it’s important get it treated promptly.”