http://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/rdes-stroke-care-first-region-433884
National audit says 'world class' stroke care is delivered at RD&E
The Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital has become the first acute hospital in the South West to achieve a top score for its stroke care.
Following a national audit, it was only one of 16 per cent of stroke teams nationally to achieved a grade A top score which is given to those who provide ‘world class’ stroke care.
ADVERTISING
“Achieving a grade A has only been possible through the persistence and determination of staff across many departments to achieve the best for all patients.
”A stroke can leave people with life-changing disabilities. A stroke usually occurs without any warning so comes as a great shock to the affected individual and those close to them. It causes great distress to those affected. Patients often need to come to terms with a new perception of vulnerability about themselves.
“The goal of our care is to minimise any long-term disabilities. Whenever possible we support people to regain independence in their own home.”
Each year the RD&E treats around 700 stroke patients. It provides emergency stroke care on Clyst Ward, with intensive rehabilitation on Clyst and nearby Yealm Ward.
Among those it has treated is former Royal Marine Justin Smallwood.
The 57 year old, from Lympstone, was treated at the RD&E in August 2008 after he suffered a stroke at home. He now sits on the trust’s monthly stroke governance group as a lay member, helping clinicians to understand the patient’s perspective.
Recalling when he suffered his stroke, Justin said he felt a ‘not unpleasant’ tingling sensation filling his body before he collapsed.
When he came to he tried to carry on with his day, but cut himself shaving and says he ‘nearly blew up the kitchen’ while attempting to cook something because his left hand wasn’t working properly. He was also unsteady on his feet.
After a visit to his GP, who quickly suspected a stroke, he was sent him to the RD&E where he stayed for a week before being discharged.
Fortunately he was diagnosed as having suffered a mild stroke and has no long-lasting physical symptoms, but has been left with less obvious issues such as sudden tearfulness and problems with fatigue.
Justin, who has since become an action for rehabilitation from neurological Injury trainer, helping stroke patients after discharge, said: “For many people, making a good recovery from a stroke is a real prospect. It’s hard work and you have to stick at it. But even the slightest gains will bring a sense of great achievement.
“What I see and hear in my monthly meetings at the RD&E indicates we are lucky to have such an exceptionally well managed and led stroke service. I am thoroughly impressed by the professionalism of the whole team - doctors, nurses, therapists, managers and others – and their relentless attention to detail.”
The grade A was awarded to the RD&E by the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the period December 2016-March 2017.
It is only given to trusts delivering the very highest standards of care from initial emergency scanning and drug treatment through to therapies and discharge home.
No comments:
Post a Comment