HUNDREDS of NHS patients have received personal, specialised care thanks to a new service set up during the coronavirus pandemic.
Stroke Connect, a partnership with the NHS and the Stroke Association provides stroke survivors with support and advice in the early days following hospital discharge, without having to leave the house.
Experts have said that the new offer is providing a lifeline during the pandemic and has helped more than 500 people to rebuild their lives after having a stroke since it launched last month.
Patients are contacted for an initial call within a few days of discharge from hospital, from a trained Stroke Association connector, an expert in supporting people after stroke.
The connector provides reassurance, support with immediate concerns and links the stroke survivor to support they can access in the long-term as part of their recovery journey as well as signposting them to other sources of support.
A further call is offered within the month to check in on the stroke survivor’s progress and identify any further support needed.
Families of a stroke survivor can also opt to receive essential information on self-management, including how to look after their own health and wellbeing.
The new service complements existing rehabilitation services and ‘life after stroke’ care, which has continued throughout the pandemic.
NHS national clinical director for stroke Dr Deb Lowe said: “Follow up care is vital for recovery and so this new lifeline will be invaluable to support rebuilding lives after stroke.
“Please remember, if you are worried that you are having a stroke, please call 999 as your NHS is here to support you.”
Stroke survivors who feel they want to talk to somebody can also call the Stroke Association’s helpline on 0303 3033 100.
