Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust supports stroke awareness month

Pictured (from left) Emma Moorhouse (Stroke Unit sister), Dr Naureen Mumtaz (Consultant Stroke Physician), Stephanie Carrington (Pharmacy Technician & Medicines Administrator), Terry Ledger (Stroke unit nurse) and Alison Frost (Stroke Unit specialist physiotherapist).

Did you know that the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has the best stroke service in the region, consistently performing well and above the national average in most key areas?

The establishment of a stroke assessment hub at Pinderfields Hospital has further improved patient care.

As we mark Stroke Awareness Month this month, we will be shining a spotlight on some of our dedicated staff who care for patients both in our Stroke Unit and in the community, as well as raising awareness of the dangers of strokes, and encouraging everyone to be aware of the signs to look out for.

Stroke can happen to anyone at any age, and the effects can be life changing. That is why it is so important to know the warning signs, so you can act early and have the best chance of recovery.

Around 1200 patients are admitted to the Trust with stroke symptoms each year. The stroke service is staffed by medical professionals from a wide range of specialties including doctors and consultants, nurses and advanced care practitioners, therapy staff in speech and language and occupational health, psychologists, physios, and dietitians.

Mair Carpenter, clinical lead for stroke at Mid Yorkshire NHS Teaching Trust said:

Stroke is a medical emergency that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Around half of stroke survivors are left with some form of physical, emotional, or mental disability, which is often completely life changing.

Effective and timely treatment can have a significant impact on recovery, so if someone suspects they have had a stroke it is essential they get to hospital immediately. This is why it is so important that everyone can recognise the signs of stroke.

The simplest way is to use the FAST system and check the Face, Arms, and Speech for any noticeable changes. If there are, or if you have any concerns at all, then it's Time to call 999.

Speaking about the importance of people being aware of measures to help prevent stroke, Amanda Drake, lead stroke assessment nurse at the Trust said:

Anyone can suffer a stroke, but there are a number of lifestyle changes people can make to reduce the likelihood, including eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake and avoiding smoking.

If you have already suffered a stroke, making these changes can also help reduce the risk of having another in the future.

Throughout May we will be featuring some of the staff from our stroke service on our social media channels, highlighting the wide range of specialties that work with patients. We will also be sharing a story from a patient, as she continues her recovery from a stroke with the support of MY Stroke Service.