Stroke treatment success in new unit

STROKE patients are experiencing shorter stays at Addenbrooke's and better outcomes. The stroke unit moved earlier this year and the team has been bolstered by new staff and equipment. Time spent in hospital for patients has been dramatically cut – the average stay now is 16 days compared to 49 in 2001.

The unit, which switched to a larger space in March, can cater for 36 stroke patients – compared to 20 previously. There is no waiting list thanks to an effective streamlined service in place. The unit has also been colour coded to assist patients experiencing communication difficulties to successfully navigate the area.

Alastair Durrant, 44, was admitted to the unit following a mountain bike accident in Thetford Forest. Mr Durrant, from Cottenham, hit his head which caused a blood clot. Days after the incident, he suffered a stroke and lost movement in the left side of his body.

He said: “The staff here have been so professional and caring. They've taught me how to walk again. They work with you continuously throughout the day – physio, help with getting dressed, going into the kitchen to use the kettle and going to the shops.

“You can't anticipate something like this happening to you - I was devastated. I've ridden through the forest 100 times before. I knew I had broken my arm – I was with friends and we all had a laugh about it. I got the arm in a pot, went home and all was well. One day I was making a cup of tea and then, bang, it was like someone flicked a switch."

Mr Durrant has been able to spend time at home with his wife Julie and eight-year-old daughter Rebecca as part of the recovery process. He is due to leave the unit soon.

The six assistant practitioners and eight nutritionists have been added to the team ensuring all patients can easily engage with other people – an important factor in the recovery process. Five new monitors have been purchased which provide excellent additional feedback to staff on the patients' wellbeing. Other hospitals have been in touch to learn about these successful techniques used by Addenbrooke's staff to aid stroke patients, many of which leave hospital to recuperate in their own homes.

The team aims to keep progressing and push down the length of stay even further. Jan Kennedy, senior clinical nurse, said: “Patients are getting a first class service from a first class team. We are seen as a model for other hospitals.

“There is no waiting list. If someone has a stroke, they come straight to us and are seen quickly. More patients can return to their own homes instead of residential care which is so important to aid their recovery. “In 2001, patients would stay here for 49 days. Last year it was 22 and now it is 16. It is our aim to lower that further to 13 days."