http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/2542817-135/gold-plated-stroke-service
Stroke review clinic at Hauora Tairawhiti a unique concept
AN initiative by Hauora Tairawhiti to
reduce secondary strokes has been called “a gold-plated stroke service
for Tairawhiti patients”, by the Midlands Stroke Network.
The stroke review clinic is a unique
concept within the Midlands Health Network. The service invites people
who have had a stroke to a clinic at Gisborne Hospital, where they
‘‘speed date’’ a number of specialists in one session, rather than
attending multiple appointments.
For more information about strokes visit www.stroke.org.nz
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a brain attack; it is a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain causing it to stop working.
Strokes are the third-largest killer
in New Zealand (about 2500 people every year), and the risk of having a
secondary stroke is very high during the first 12 months of recovery.
The service is earning plaudits from Midlands Stroke Network. Picture supplied
The service was spearheaded by Dr Intesar (known as Inte) Malik in May 2015 and takes place once a month.
One-stop shop
Participants who have had a stroke are
invited to Gisborne Hospital, where they visit with medical specialists
including a consultant, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist
and speech and language therapist.
“We are offering a one-stop-shop for
stroke care,’’ said Dr Malik. “The clinic offers a unique opportunity
for the medical team working with a patient to discuss a case and
develop a care plan that works for everyone.
“This approach minimises the resource
spent individually assessing a patient for each specialism, and ensures
we are all on the same page, working together for the best interest of
the patient.”
A patient's experience
One such patient is 80-year-old Velma McLean.
“When I was transferred to Gisborne
Hospital after my stroke, the staff at Tauranga hospital assured me that
I would be heading to a hospital highly competent in rehabilitation
procedures,” she said. “They were correct.”
Mrs McLean has attended the clinic twice following her stroke in November 2015.
“In the beginning, they said that I
may never walk again. The support of the nurses and my husband Barry
means that I can now move around my home, and retain some independence. I
meet with therapists, doctors, nurses and physiotherapists at the
clinic who monitor my progress and prescribe further exercises to keep
me mobile.”
However, it is not just clinical care that made a difference for Mrs McLean.
“The social activities really helped
me,” she said. “You often see new people very distressed following a
stroke. I always tell them, you are in good hands, this is a place where
we all feel safe and secure, and you will too. They will take good care
of you.”
360 degrees of care
This new approach means that participants receive 360 degrees of care from multiple specialists at one time.
“The service is unique because we are
offering a multi-disciplined approach,” Dr Malik said. “It allows us to
identify not only the medical assistance we can offer, but also social
support within the community”.
Depression following a stroke is very
common. A local voluntary stroke group also attends the clinic.
Volunteers are invited to sit with the speech and language therapists
and learn techniques they can use in the community to reinforce the
messages from the stroke clinic. It gives the patients a community
connection, and on-going support outside the hospital setting.
During each clinic, participants have a
series of tests including an ECG, blood tests and a secondary stroke
consultation to monitor their progress. The clinic also offers
preventative measures to reduce the risk of a secondary stroke, such as
healthy eating and smoking cessation advice.
FAST campaign
The New Zealand Stroke Foundation recently
launched a new stroke awareness campaign to encourage New Zealanders to
learn the key signs of a stroke.
The FAST campaign identifies the first signs of a stroke and encourages kiwis to dial 111 as soon as they recognise them.
FAST is an internationally established acronym to help people remember three of the main signs of stroke.
It stands for FACE — ARM — SPEECH — TIME.
■ FACE — Is their face drooping on one side? Can they smile?
■ ARM — Is one arm weak? Can they raise both arms?
■ SPEECH — Is their speech jumbled or slurred? Can they speak at all?
■ TIME — Time is critical. Call 111.
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