Stroke survivors, relatives, carers, healthcare professionals and support groups have been working together to make sure that information is available for local people about stroke and stroke services in Lancashire and South Cumbria.
These passionate people have been working on a Stroke Information Guide to ensure that good quality, appropriate information for stroke patients and their families/carers is available and accessible.
The guide, which is available online at http://www.healthierlsc.co.uk/stroke-information-guide, covers five key areas:
- Understanding stroke-related terms
- Preventing a first stroke or further strokes
- Time in hospital
- Survivorship and recovery
- Local contact information
Dr Mark O’Donnell, Medical Director at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "All strokes are different and so affect people in very different ways, some will have physical problems like troubles with movement and balance, vision or swallowing, others will have hidden complications like problems handling their emotions, memory and even communicating.
“The aim of this guide is to make sure that people aren't left in the dark: it is written so that they can have an understanding of the terminology they have heard, what to expect when they're in hospital, know how to prevent strokes, and information about what happens through recovery and where to get more support."
Susan Schofield who runs the Stroke Association volunteer group FUN4STROKE in Burnley, said: "I have found the new Stroke Information Guide to be very informative.
The guide is clearly laid out with links to take you straight to where you need to go to access the information you need, when you need it.”