Recent stroke survivors will be supported remotely during the COVID-19 outbreak.
A joint support package for new stroke survivors and their carers during the COVID-19 emergency has been launched.
The Stroke Association NI, and Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke with support from the NI Stroke Network, have moved from face to face care to supporting survivors and their carers remotely.
With support from the Stroke Network for NI, the charities will now reach out to people affected by stroke to offer reassurance and connect them to a joint package of support.
Dr Miriam McCarthy, Director of Commissioning at the Health and Social Care Board explained that the new service offers a lifeline to survivors and their carers during the pandemic.
“It connects them to a joint package of ongoing support from the charities as well as support from others and will help them rebuild their lives and have a more positive experience of care especially during this current pandemic,” she said.
The support offered includes a family service, a grant service; weekly support calls; access to other services (including peer support) and access to information such as keeping well in isolation.
Barry Macaulay Director of Stroke Association NI said this partnership is vital at a time when stroke survivors are needing the services more than ever and when the charity resources are stretched due to fundraising deficits.
“The new process is also much simpler for stroke survivors, carers and health professionals with one single contact point to access services. We are also grateful to our colleagues in the Health and Social Care Board and Trusts for facilitating this new way of working,” he added.
Noelene Hughes from Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke said this Stroke Support Service, will ensure that post discharge survivors, their carers, and family, will get the support and reassurance they need going forward.
“We also want to reinforce the message at this time that stroke is still a medical emergency. If you experience any of the symptoms of stroke call 999 and get immediate treatment form the health service as soon as possible. Be reassured that after treatment we will reach out and offer a lifeline of support through this new joint pathway,” she added.