A NEW support service for people who have suffered strokes, their families and carers is to be launched.
Worcestershire County Council is working in partnership with the Stroke Association to commission the new support service with more than 1,000 people suffering a stroke each year in the county.
Nationally, around 152,000 people in the UK have a stroke each year and approximately 53,000 people die as a result.
Half of all stroke survivors are left with long-term disability, living with a range of physical, communication, cognitive and psychological issues.
Approximately 1100 people will have a new stroke each year in Worcestershire. Of these, approximately 870 people might expect to leave hospital with a disability of some sort, ranging from mild to very severe.
The purpose of the service is to provide information, emotional support and practical advice to stroke survivors, their families and carers, to enable people to make the best possible recovery and live their life to the full following a stroke.
All stroke survivors will receive a comprehensive, holistic assessment to identify both their needs and the needs of their family and/or carer.
Goals
The service will then work with the survivor to develop a recovery plan with clear, realistic goals, signposting them to other services where required.
The communication support element of the Service, which will be funded by the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), will provide flexible and longer term support to adults and their carers whose communication is affected by stroke.
Sarah Adderley, deputy head of operations at the Stroke Association, said: “We believe in life after stroke and this service gives us the opportunity to work with stroke survivors and their families, providing invaluable specialist support in the community.
“We are really looking forward to working with Worcestershire Integrated Carers Hub and other organisations, finding innovative ways to provide the essential support that people need to make the best recovery.”
Coun John Smith, responsible for health and well-being at the county council, added: “Suffering a stroke can be devastating, with many of those fortunate enough to survive often having to live with a long-term disability. This new support service we are commissioning will help stroke survivors make the best possible recovery and minimise their risk of further health problems.”
For further information call 01527 903716 or email [email protected].
