Proposals from Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (ECCCG) to fund a new integrated community stroke rehabilitation service for local stroke survivors have been welcomed by local MP, David Rutley.
David learned more about the proposed new service, which was confirmed by ECCCG at its Governing Body meeting in October, from ECCCG representatives at the recent Macclesfield Stroke Association service users feedback meeting. The comprehensive service, with funding of £500,000 per year, will be launched next April, and will bring together a wide range of health and care workers, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social care staff from Cheshire East Council, to help patients recover more fully from a stroke after hospital treatment. It will be provided through a three-year contract to University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust.
As well as ensuring that the physical, psychological and social needs of stroke survivors are met, the new service will mean that patients can receive recovery support much closer to their homes, helping to significantly reduce prolonged hospital stays by as much as eight days, and making much-needed beds available more quickly for other patients. It is anticipated that the service will support approximately 300 patients a year, with rehabilitation care being tailored according to the severity of a patient’s stroke. The first contact with the patient would happen within 48 hours of discharge from hospital, with the first assessment taking place inside seven days.
The proposals have been shaped following extensive consultation with stroke survivors and their carers at a number of 'listening events' organised by ECCCG. The new service will complement and strengthen existing stroke support services, by helping to join up the gaps in the current system, and improving patients’ quality of life by providing better access to support services.
David said, "I strongly welcome these positive proposals, which will help to significantly improve care and support for stroke survivors in and around Macclesfield. This is good news, and I look forward to seeing the service up and running in April, so that a more fully effective rehabilitation service is available for stroke survivors in their homes and local communities."