Stroke

Stroke is the fourth largest single cause of death in England. One in four stroke patients die.

A stroke could happen to anyone at any time and is caused by either a block in a blood vessel that leads to the brain or by bleeding in or around the brain. Following a stroke some people recover completely, others need rehabilitation and further support, but others do not survive.

In Lancashire and South Cumbria, we have an integrated stroke and neurorehabilitation delivery network, often referred to as the ‘ISNDN’, which puts patients and carers are at the forefront of all our conversations. We work closely with the Stroke Association and stroke and neurorehabilitation patient and carers to improve the way stroke care is delivered.

Our ambitions

  • We strive to ensure every patient receives the right care in the right place at the right time, delivered by the right people with the right knowledge and skills.
  • This will deliver improved outcomes, shorter stays in hospital and increased community support, resulting in a reduction in stroke mortality and lifelong disability.
  • We will listen to our patient voice, ensuring our delivery is clinically driven and patient led.

The ISNDN Programme Board is made up of representatives from stroke and neurorehabilitation services – both clinical and operational – commissioners, patients, the Stroke Association and education and research. All members are passionate about and dedicated to providing high quality stroke and neuro rehabilitation services for residents of Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The stroke and neurorehabilitation patient and carer assurance group was established in November 2020. The group provides a voice for the stroke and neurorehabilitation patient and carer, contributes to the workstreams and engagement activities of the ISNDN, and reports into and holds to account the ISNDN Board. The group meets monthly via Teams, but in November 2022 had its first in-person meeting.

To date group members have contributed meaningfully to:

  • the Lancashire and South Cumbria Stroke services specification to ensure the patient and carer voice is present throughout
  • identifying the location of the region’s second acute stroke centre
  • developing the preferred option for delivering psychological support following stroke
  • creating patient led standards for neurorehabilitation services
  • engagement with Stroke Association groups across the region

Aaron Cummins

As the senior responsible officer, it has been a pleasure to lead the transformational work of the Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated stroke and neurorehabilitation delivery network (ISNDN). I am very proud to represent such a dedicated team, driven to provide exceptional stroke services to the population of Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Over the past 24 months there are many things we as a team are proud of. Patients and carers are at the forefront of all our conversations and we’ve worked closely with the Stroke Association, to really guide our work to improve the way that stroke care is delivered. 

Click on the link below to read our latest annual report.

ISNDN annual report 21-23


When stroke strikes Act F.A.S.T. Call 999

Strokes impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year, affecting both the person who has a stroke and their loved ones, families and carers. It is estimated that in the UK someone has a stroke every five minutes.

Treating a stroke early can reduce the number of deaths and the level of disability caused by a stroke. This is why acting F.A.S.T. is so important when you or a loved ones shows signs of having a stroke. The quicker you are diagnosed and treated the better your chances of a good recovery. For someone having a stroke, F.A.S.T. means fast.

It is vital that you call 999 when you notice any single one of the signs of stroke. Do not wait. You must Think and Act F.A.S.T.

  • Face - has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
  • Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?
  • Speech – is their speech slurred? 
  • Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs of a stroke

Some other signs that may be due to a stroke or mini stroke include:

  • Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body (including in your leg)
  • Sudden memory loss or confusion
  • Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other signs 
  • Call 999 immediately if you notice any single one of the signs of stroke.

Stroke Association 

The Stroke Association provides vital support in the recovery and rehabilitation of stroke survivors. They have support groups in each area of Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Stroke Association Helpline: 0303 3033 100

Supporter care: 0300 3300 740

 

 

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