STROKE sufferers will get better support to adapt to life at home, thanks to a new scheme.

A team of health workers has been set up to reassure and support patients and get them back to normal life more quickly after leaving Southend Hospital.

The team – which includes a consultant, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech and language therapist with access to a psychologist – provides a two-week service for those with slight to moderate difficulties following their stroke.

Within 24 hours of leaving hospital, suitable patients will be visited at home by a qualified therapist and a rehabilitation plan put in place.

Patients will receive up to 45 minutes of therapy each week day. If additional support is then still needed, they will be referred to the community therapy service.

The latest project is a joint venture by South Essex Partnership Trust, Southend Hospital and the GP-led clinical commissioning groups in Castle Point and Rochford and Southend.

Southend consultant Dr Tony O’Brien, the East of England stroke lead, said: “Stroke patients want to get out of hospital as soon as possible. Providing rehabilitation care in their homes is better psychologically and reduces disability.

“The newly-established early supported discharge service can only improve stroke services locally evenmore. We are delighted our patients will benefit from this professional help in their own homes and are sure it will be highly valued and very effective.”

“In the past, stroke patients could stay in hospital for up to three months.

“Southend has already reduced its length of stay to 12 days, and the disability rate for patients has also decreased dramatically.

“The number of patients who now walk out of hospital following a stroke has risen from 33 per cent to 60 per cent, now they will be further helped in their rehabilitation.”

For more information contact 01702 606954, or the stroke co-ordinator on 07949 505944.