Help for stroke patients
STROKE patients in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan are set to benefit from a new scheme which will help them recover in the early months following their “brain attack”.
Based at University Hospital Llandough, the Six Month Review service has been funded by the Welsh Government’s Stroke Implementation Group.
The pilot scheme is run by the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke co-ordinators who are based in the hospital.
They are part of a multi-disciplinary team, supporting both patients and former patients with emotional, practical and financial advice.
A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain.
Each year around 7,400 people will have a stroke in Wales and the Stroke Association estimates that there are almost 66,000 stroke survivors.
The fastest recovery following a stroke takes place in the first few months. After that progress can be slower. However, survivors can continue to improve for months or years.
Though some patients may return home with ongoing help from local therapy and nursing teams, this is usually in the short term and survivors may have difficulty in adjusting to “normal” life. How long this will take can vary.
The six-month reviews help survivors get information, peer support and advocacy, advice on health and social services and referrals to stroke and carers groups.
Janet Bloor is one of the Life After Stroke co-ordinators who hold the assessments.
She said: “This has helped increase stroke survivors’ independence and quality of life and makes sure they are supported in the long term.
“We go through every aspect of stroke, from medication, vision, hearing, sleeping, nutrition and confidence in daily tasks.
“We assess if a person might be suffering from anxiety or depression and take their blood pressure.
“We also look at their wellbeing – whether they have any issues with transport, their occupation or access to activities.
“It’s a really holistic approach and based around the stroke survivor.
“I can remember working with one young man – it was thought at first that he wouldn’t survive.
“So it was fantastic to have him say, ‘come and look at my car’ as he was preparing to return to work.
“Another person we worked with had a severe accident and subsequent stroke, and he’s now walking unaided. I visit him every week and see what progress he’s making.”
The six month reviews are part of the Royal College of Physicians’ guidelines on treating stroke survivors.
Since the Stroke Association received funding for the pilot, the numbers receiving the reviews have risen significantly.
Stroke survivor Sheila Jenkins is 82 and lives alone. She is very active, and enjoys regularly socialising with friends.
“The service was absolutely brilliant,” she said.
“When you first have the stroke, you don’t think of things as you’re not feeling quite with it. It was great to say ‘I need a handrail’, and it was sorted.
“And the booklets and information they sent were brilliant too. I don’t know how I would have managed without it.”
The six monthly reviews and work of the coordinators has also been welcomed by the consultants who lead the service at Llandough.
“We are very keen to expand our post-stroke care service in Cardiff and the Vale,” said Dr Benjamin Jelley, a consultant in geriatric and stroke medicine.
“The skills of the Stroke Association’s coordinators have helped us build an invaluable six month review service. It is doing a fantastic job, and I hope it continues to thrive.”
In the weeks and months following a stroke, many survivors can feel isolated and alone.
While many problems will be physical, such as difficulty with swallowing or balance, stroke can also have “hidden” effects, including changes to memory, emotions and behaviour.
Around a third of stroke survivors experience depression, and over half experience symptoms of anxiety at some point in the ten years after their stroke.
The National Assembly for Wales’ Cross-Party Group on Stroke has identified emotional support as a key priority for the next year.
The pilot scheme is due to end on December 31. Its continuation is under review. However, the day to day work of supporting stroke survivors is continuing.