Commentary Re Report on Enter and View Visit to Stroke Uint

COMMENTARY RE REPORT ON ENTER AND VIEW VISIT TO STROKE UINT

1. Many patients in the acute stage of stroke are too unwell to participate in activity, but there is a specific activity co-coordinator based on the Stroke Rehab Unit and a personalised activity plan is formulated for the patient according to their need. However there still are some patients who are still too unwell to participate and some that as part of the psychological impact of stroke are demotivated and unwilling to participate in activity. When this happens we work hard to address the psychological issues and their feelings of low mood to enable them to feel more motivated. All patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation are now issued with a timetable so they can see exactly when they are to receive therapy and activity. We also acknowledge that being in hospital can be a long and tedious experience which is why we work hard to discharge many patients home early with the support of the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Team.
   Last month over 80% of those patients discharged with a diagnosis of stroke, were discharged under the care of this team-some within 2-3 days of their stroke. It should be noted that this team is one of the best performing in the country anda recent stroke review by the SHA praised us immensely for this as well as the excellent psychological care we provide for stroke patients and their families/carers.The patient representative from the mainland attending this review was particularly complimentary and stated she wished she had been on the IoW to receive her stroke care. We have been invited to present at a National Conference on how we have achieved these excellent services.
   
2. The Stroke Association questionnaire is now being distributed to all stroke patients on discharge and they then complete these and send them back directly to the Stroke Association.
   
3. Unfortunately Thrombolysis has not yet commenced as there are technical difficulties with the telemedicine at Portsmouth end. However we have recently written to them asking them for assurances that this will be resolved as soon as possible and that they give us a definitive date to commence the thrombolysis service.
   
4. I am happy that someone attends one of my information sessions but as this is a clinical session and confidential the patients/carers’ permission will have to be sought.

Jeannine Johnson
Clinical Lead for Stroke/Lead Nurse Specialist

Isle of Wight NHS Provider Services

February 2012