A new strategy has been launched aimed at helping people in East Sussex to avoid having a stroke, as well as giving them more support and better treatment if they do suffer one.
NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald (NHS ESDW) and NHS Hastings and Rother (NHS HR) have developed a three year plan after canvassing the views of patients, carers, members of the public, and health and social care staff.
Sarah Valentine, Director of Commissioning for NHS ESDW and NHS HR says:
“Over 1,500 people in East Sussex suffered a stroke or mini-stroke (known as a TIA) in 2007/08.
Strokes can have a massive impact on the lives of people who suffer them, as well as their families and friends.
We want to give local people world class stroke services which are co-ordinated, consistent across the county and high-quality.”
The new strategy will be focusing on 10 key areas of development, including:
• Raising awareness of stroke amongst the public, as well as health and social care staff
• Preventing more strokes and TIAs by spotting the danger signs earlier, via GPs for example
• Rapid assessment and treatment of strokes and TIAs
• High quality specialist rehabilitation
• Long term care and support
By implementing new plans across the 10 key areas, NHS ESDW and NHS HR will be able to prevent more strokes and TIAs, help people who have had a stroke to make better recoveries and enable people to receive care and support closer to their own homes.
