Patients' stroke support service is doing well
2:50pm Saturday 18th May 2013 in News By Tarik Al Rasheed
A STROKE support service for patients in Worcestershire says it is switched on to the emotional needs of patients.
We reported how the Stroke Association is calling for more support for survivors to help them recover from the emotional impact of their condition.
The charity quizzed 285 survivors from the West Midlands as part of a national survey and found that 59 per cent felt depressed and 70 per cent suffered from a lack of confidence.
However new research compiled by the Community Stroke Service, provided by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust to support patients after they leave hospital, paints a different picture.
All patients who were seen on one or more occasion by the service completed a questionnaire, with 93 per cent saying they were very satisfied with the advice and support provided.
The Community Stroke Service was set up in 2008, aiming to provide patients being discharged from hospital support, advice and relevant treatment when recovering from a stroke, as well helping to cope with emotional difficulties.
Deputy manager Ruth Freeman said: As a specialist stroke service we are very aware of the prevalence of anxiety and depression post-stroke. This is regularly monitored and reviewed using both standardised assessments, observation of the patient and discussions with the patient and family.
She said that patients are usually discharged from the service at six weeks but then receive reviews after three, six and 12 months.
The rest is here:
Patients' stroke support service is doing well